Vacuum Or Suction Patents (Class 425/504)
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Patent number: 8556617Abstract: For manufacture of fiber-reinforced components, a positionable base frame is used on which a controllable holding device is provided for gripping and holding at least one reinforced fiber layer. A draping device is provided on the base frame, using which the reinforced fiber layer may be draped onto a mold core via the application of a vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Broetje Automation GmbHInventors: Raphael Reinhold, Stefan Juergens
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Publication number: 20130258034Abstract: A disclosed method relates to creating labels for in-mold labeling. A first portion is advanced from rolled labeling material to a label making area of an in-mold labeling apparatus. First label information is printed on the first portion. The first portion is cut by applying a first laser beam to the first portion based on a first pattern. A second portion is advanced from the rolled labeling material to the label making area. Second label information is printed on the second portion. The second portion is cut by applying a second laser beam to the second portion based on a second pattern. The second pattern can be different from the first pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: DEVLINKS, LTD.Inventors: Robert Joseph Devlin, Vladislav Valentinov Dimitrov, Scott Ryan Jackson, Jerry John Handzlik, James Scott Adams, Michael Lee Horn
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Patent number: 8540919Abstract: A manufacturing method of housing of electronic device comprises following steps: providing a metal member; forming a plurality of micro anchored apertures on a surface of the metal member; placing the metal member in a plastic injection mold, wherein the plastic injection mold is set at a first temperature; and providing a molten plastic material in the plastic injection mold for integrating with the surface of the metal member with an injection molding manner, wherein the plastic injection mold is set at a second temperature, and the second temperature is higher than the first temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.Inventor: Shu-Chen Lin
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Patent number: 8535042Abstract: An apparatus and methods for manufacturing a flanged component from a composite lay-up are provided. The apparatus includes a support structure coupled to the composite lay-up and a mold ring coupled to the support structure. The mold ring includes a ring guide surface and a radial contact surface that is configured to couple to the composite lay-up. The apparatus further includes a mold plate coupled to the mold ring. The mold plate includes a recessed surface and a plate guide surface, where the recessed surface is configured to couple to the composite lay-up and the plate guide surface is configured to couple to the ring guide surface. The apparatus also includes an autoclave that applies pressure to the mold ring and the mold plate to move the plate guide surface along the ring guide surface to apply pressure to the composite lay-up.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bowden Kirkpatrick, Mark Ernest Vermilyea, Mitchell Harold Boyer, Ming Xie, Elliott Keller Schulte, Benjamin Wayne Ferrell
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Publication number: 20130234373Abstract: The invention relates to methods and to a manufacturing device for manufacturing a sandwich component. A semifinished product arrangement is soaked with a flowable matrix material, for example a resin, in particular by an infusion method. By using the method of the invention, inherent tensile stresses introduced by the respective method and remaining in the sandwich component to be manufactured are reduced, and moreover the risk of crack formation in the course of the process, afterwards and during operation of the sandwich component is minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Ichwan Muhammad Zuardy, Pierre C. Zahlen, Karim Grase, Claudio B. Vultaggio, Axel Siegfried Herrmann
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Patent number: 8500085Abstract: Method for manufacturing a composite fiber component (1) the method comprising the following method steps: forming a moulding core (4) comprising a hollow profile (15) made of segments (16a . . . d) in order to establish an external geometry of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) of the moulding core (4) each extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the moulding core (4) and are each constructed so as to be pivotable about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the moulding core (4), between a folded position (A), and an unfolded position (B) of the hollow profile (15) of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) are constructed so as to be coupled to one another via connections (18a . . . d, 19a . . .Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2007Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Torben Jacob, Joachim Piepenbrock
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Patent number: 8460502Abstract: A method and part forming apparatus configured for forming an aircraft stringer. The part forming apparatus may comprise a forming tool, a rigid plate, and a hollow bladder. The forming tool may comprise a material trough, a bladder extension trough laterally aligned with and open to the material trough, and a recessed pocket extending from either side of the bladder extension trough and adjacent to the material trough. The method comprises placing composite material into the material trough, placing the bladder onto the composite material and through the bladder extension trough, placing the rigid plate into the recessed pocket and over the bladder, and then placing skin laminate over the bladder and the composite material. Once each of these components is in place, the forming tool may be vacuum bagged and the composite material and skin laminate may be co-cured to form the stringer.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.Inventors: Blaise F. Bergmann, Dwight D. Spaulding, John P. McPherson
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Patent number: 8444892Abstract: In order to manufacture articles in the form of sheets or blocks of conglomerate stone or stone-like material, single mixes are prepared in mixers (18a,b,c,) arranged in a line and at intervals along a conveyor belt (12), each mixer depositing on said conveyor belt a layer of single mix which is arranged on top of the mix deposited by the mixer immediately upstream, forming a multiple mix which is then fed in an axially offset position to a rotating support (24) provided with homogenizing means and then passes to the vacuum vibrocompression section, after a deaeration step. A crushing device (32) is inserted between each mixer and the underlying belt so as to control the size of the agglomerations in each mix. Means (34) are envisaged for cleaning the upper surface (12a) of the conveyor belt (12) and the crushing devices (32) between the cycles for preparation of the multiple mix.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Inventor: Luca Toncelli
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Patent number: 8425715Abstract: An industrial-scale high throughput wafer bonding apparatus includes a wafer bonder chamber extending along a main axis and comprising a plurality of chamber zones, a plurality of heater/isolator plates, a guide rod system extending along the main axis, a pair of parallel track rods extending along the main axis, and first pressure means. The chamber zones are separated from each other and thermally isolated from each other by the heater/isolator plates. The heater/isolator plates are oriented perpendicular to the main axis, are movably supported and guided by the guide rod system and are configured to move along the direction of the main axis. Each of the chamber zones is dimensioned to accommodate an aligned wafer pair and the wafer pairs are configured to be supported by the parallel track rods. The first pressure means is configured to apply a first force perpendicular to a first end heater/isolator plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Suss Microtec Lithography, GmbHInventor: Gregory George
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Patent number: 8418740Abstract: Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael R. Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Donald A. Anderson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Sweetin, Douglas L. Grose
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Patent number: 8409489Abstract: An insertion plunger for inserting at least one wrap-around label and at least one bottom label into an injection mold for producing a plastic container has an outer plunger and an inner plunger that is movable relative to the outer plunger. In a method for insertion of a wrap-around label and a bottom label into an injection mold, the labels are inserted by an insertion plunger in that the wrap-around label and the bottom label are inserted in a single stroke performed by the insertion plunger into the injection mold.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Marbach moulds & automation GmbHInventor: Daniel Döbler
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Patent number: 8393371Abstract: A system for processing a composite material may comprise a chamber, a mandrel, an upper ramp, and an upper diaphragm. The chamber generally provides structural support while a vacuum is applied to the system and may have a six-sided generally rectangular box shape. The mandrel generally provides support for the composite material, and may be located within the chamber. The upper ramp generally provides a path for the upper diaphragm to follow under vacuum, and may be located adjacent to the mandrel and tilted at approximately 45 degrees downward thereto. The upper diaphragm may be placed over an opening along one side of the chamber. During processing, a vacuum may be applied to chamber and the upper diaphragm may be pulled inward through the opening to press the composite material against the mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.Inventors: William Joseph Bryant, Christopher J. Morrow, Kenneth I. Fried
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Patent number: 8356989Abstract: Boeing is actively engaged in the production of lightweight composite airframes for both military and commercial applications. The double bag vacuum infusion process of the present invention provides a low cost, method for producing complex composite assemblies without an autoclave. It also enables the production of highly innovative structures. The quality of the composites produced using such an infusion process are comparable to composites made using prepregs, hand layup or fiber placement and autoclave curing.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John C. Waldrop, William R. Burkett, Carmine J. Sesti, Bruce Harshman, Alan F. Tegeler, Wesley P. Weinman
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Patent number: 8328976Abstract: A method of manufacturing root of megawatt wind-turbine blade includes the following steps: (1) manufacturing an independent female mould, and arranging a positioning stop-ring on the female mould; (2) clinging on one side of the positioning stop-ring, a plurality of glass fabrics and macroporous glass fabrics are laid on the curved surface of the female mould; (3) after laying the glass fabrics, sealing the female mould using a vacuum bag, and vacuumizing the female mould after a curved supporting board is arranged on the vacuum bag; (4) after laying a plurality of glass fabrics in the blade mould, slinging the prefabricated part and the curved supporting board to arrange them in the blade mould; (5) sealing the blade mould using another vacuum bag, vacuumizing the blade mould, thereafter infusing resin into the blade mould, after curing the root of the blade is finally formed.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Lianyungang Zhongfu Lianzhong Composites Group Co., Ltd.Inventors: Guifang Ren, Guanghui Qiao, Huixiu Huang, Xiaoliang Qiao
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Patent number: 8298362Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing method for a PDP which allows even high-definition and ultra-high-definition PDPs to demonstrate an excellent image display capability at improved luminous efficiency, by suppressing variation of a discharge gas composition, and by eliminating an impurity gas in a discharge space effectively. To achieve the aim, deterioration of an absorbent material 39 composed of copper ion-exchanged ZSM-5-type zeolite is prevented, by performing both sealing and evacuation steps for the front substrate 2 and back substrate 9 in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere. This maintains properties of the absorbent material 39 for absorbing the impurity gas without degradation, even if the absorbent material 39 absorbs a Xe gas in a discharge gas introducing step.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Masahiro Sakai, Keisuke Okada, Yayoi Okui
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Patent number: 8282382Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum thermoforming disposable drink cups lids. The method and apparatus include the step of imparting printing to the lids in two or more colors. The step of imparting printing to the lids is done while the lids are in contact with the vacuum thermoforming platen.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: IVMA Holdings CompanyInventor: Ivonis M. Mazzarolo
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Publication number: 20120241992Abstract: A system is provided for collecting data during vacuum molding of a composite part using a mold including an air tight, flexible membrane sealed to a tool. The system comprises a plurality of MEMS sensors coupled with the interior of the mold at different locations over the part. Each of the sensors produces signals related to a process parameter, such as pressure within the bag, that is sensed at the location of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventors: Karl M. Nelson, Kurtis S. Willden, Anoshiravan Poursartip, Malcolm D. Lane
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Patent number: 8235695Abstract: Six auxiliary sheet holders SH2 and SH3 temporarily holding a sheet S are minutely driven in the ?Z-axis direction by a control device so that holding surfaces thereof are positioned on the slightly lower side (?Z side) of the holding surface of the sheet holder SH1. Accordingly, an appropriate tension is applied to the sheet S in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and the longitudinal direction, so that the center portion of the sheet S is fixed onto the holding surface of the sheet holder SH1. That is, in the state where an XY two-dimensional tension is applied to a separate area SAi of the sheet S, a rear surface portion corresponding to the separate area SAi of the sheet S is changed in accordance with the flat shape of the holding surface of the sheet holder SH1.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Tohru Kiuchi, Hideo Mizutani
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Patent number: 8231819Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate with the formation of underpressure between a mold (103) and a vacuum foil (105) and supply of resin from injection areas to the layers of the laminate situated in the mold. The novel aspect according to the invention comprises movement of the injection areas while the resin is supplied, This is accomplished by use of a movable suction unit (200) which is arranged on top of the vacuum foil and which, by means of an underpressure between the suction unit and the vacuum foil, forms injection areas for supply of the resin, which can be moved by moving the suction unit. The invention further relates to such movable suction unit and the use thereof in the manufacture of laminates.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/SInventor: Torben Krogsdal Jacobsen
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Publication number: 20120189816Abstract: In a plastic sheeting material incorporating an array of bubble cells, the cells are shaped with two chambers connected by a constricted region. The chambers are part-spherical e.g. in the form of truncated spheres. The constricted region has concave side walls and/or a concave top wall. The sheeting may have two, three or more layers. Moulds for producing the sheeting material have suitably-placed suction holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2010Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventor: Anthony Peter Adlington
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Patent number: 8226393Abstract: The system for vacuum formation of a dental appliance is a fully automated vacuum formation machine for dental appliances, such as retainers and the like. The system includes a base having a perforated top vacuum plate in communication with a vacuum source. A heating unit is positioned above the perforated top vacuum plate, and a controller is in communication with the heating unit and the vacuum source for selective actuation thereof. A holder releasably receives a thermoplastic plate. The holder is selectively positionable vertically over the perforated top vacuum plate and a dental impression cast mounted thereon. The holder is positioned by a linear actuator or the like, in communication with the controller. A sensor is positioned adjacent the perforated top vacuum plate for measuring the thermoplastic plate's thickness as it is molded about the dental impression cast, and is communication with the controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Inventor: Mitesh Patel
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Patent number: 8221666Abstract: A method for producing a composite structure and a composite structure obtained by the method is described.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/SInventors: Tommy Mikkelsen, Morten Stage
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Patent number: 8211263Abstract: A method for fabricating an air-filled cellular structure for use as a resilient cushion. The method includes providing a molding structure including a shelf substantially surrounding a depression, and a platform that fits within the depression and is selectively movable between a plurality of positions relative to the shelf, moving the platform to a preselected position relative to the shelf, wherein the preselected position corresponds to a substantially predetermined amount of air to be contained by the air-filled cellular structure, and using a vacuum device to draw air from within the depression.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Applied FT Composite Solutions Inc.Inventor: Daniel Kim
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Patent number: 8210841Abstract: A vacuum-induced injection molding apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tool surface having an injection port extending therethrough. A flexible film extends over and is sealingly coupled to the tool surface. The flexible film comprises an outer surface and an inner surface such that the flexible film inner surface and the tool surface define a volume. A vacuum chamber is sealingly coupled to the outer surface of the flexible film. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the volume. A method of injection molding a polymer matrix composite is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: University of DelawareInventors: Justin B. Alms, James L. Glancey, Suresh G. Advani
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Patent number: 8202454Abstract: A mold and method for vacuum assisted resin transfer molding of a fiber reinforced laminated structure are provided. The mold includes a first mold part and a second mold part. The first mold part defines a negative impression of the laminated structure, being structurally stable and forming a support for fiber reinforcement layers of the laminated structure. The second mold part connectable to the first mold part for closing the mold and defines together with the first mold part an enclosed space which can be evacuated. The mold further includes a flow duct for guiding a liquid polymer which is formed as a recess in the first mold part and/or a recess in the second mold part that is open towards the enclosed space and extends along a section of the periphery of the first mold part and/or the second mold part.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Claus Burchardt, Allan Hurup, Michael Nørlem, Bendt Olesen, Henrik Stiesdal
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Patent number: 8197244Abstract: A multilayer, flexible planar material for delimiting a matrix supply chamber during the production of fiber-reinforced plastic components made of fiber composite semifinished products includes a multifunction laminate, which has a diaphragm, a textile layer, which is laminated on the diaphragm, and a spacer layer, which is disposed on the textile layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignees: Trans-Textil GmbH, Eads Deutschland GmbHInventors: Stefan Utecht, Wilhelm Krings, Manfred Hänsch
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Publication number: 20120104641Abstract: A pitch densification apparatus may be used to form a carbon-carbon composite material. In some examples, the apparatus is configured to pitch densify a material using one or more of a plurality of different pitch densification techniques. For example, the apparatus may densify a material with a selectable one of the resin transfer molding cycle, the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding cycle, and/or the vacuum pressure infiltration cycle. The apparatus may respond to initial or changing properties of a material to be densified. In some additional examples, the apparatus includes a mold configured to receive a preform and a portion of solid pitch separate from the preform. The apparatus may include a heating source thermally coupled to the mold that is configured to heat the solid pitch above a melting temperature of the solid pitch. The apparatus may melt the pitch without external pitch melting equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Mark L. La Forest, Roger L. Klinedinst, David M. Wright
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Patent number: 8162652Abstract: A forming tool (100) for and a method of making a three dimensional composite component using double diaphragm forming. The forming tool (100) comprises a forming side having two or more regions of changing profile and one or more through holes associated with each region, the through holes exit on the forming side and are connectable to one or more vacuum sources such that vacuum can be selectively and discretely applied to each region.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: GKN Aerospace Services LimitedInventors: Giovanni Antonio Marengo, Paul Michael Roberts, Jonathan Moram
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Patent number: 8163126Abstract: Disclosed is a film sticking device that sticks a first film substrate and a second film substrate together on a curved-surface shape. The film sticking device includes a mold having a curved attachment surface formed into a desired curved-surface shape; an attracting and holding unit capable of relatively moving on the curved attachment surface and having plural vacuum chambers on which an attracting surface for attracting and holding the second film substrate is provided; and a suctioning unit capable of separately applying suction processing to the plural vacuum chambers. The suctioning unit starts, as the attracting and holding unit moves, the suction processing of the vacuum chamber corresponding to a position opposing the second film substrate and sequentially stops, as the second film substrate is stuck to the first film substrate, the suction processing of the vacuum chamber corresponding to the stuck second film substrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Tohru Harada, Kazuhisa Mishima, Hirokazu Yamanishi, Yoshiaki Yanagida
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Patent number: 8137499Abstract: In a method for reinforcing a fiber composite component for aviation and space flight, a vacuum mat is configured with at least one receiving portion for reproducibly receiving at least one reinforcing element. The at least one reinforcing element is introduced into the at least one receiving portion of the vacuum mat. The vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element is applied reproducibly in a sealed manner to the fiber composite component to be reinforced to form a mold portion and at least the formed mold portion is cured to connect the at least one reinforcing element to the fiber composite component. The vacuum mat is then removed from the reinforced fiber composite component so that the vacuum mat can be reused.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Christian Luebbering, Hauke Lengsfeld, Roland Brandenburg
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Patent number: 8137491Abstract: A reinforcement insert includes superposed laps of fiber which are coupled to each other by a coupling fiber which passes through the laps in order to form fiber sections wherein at least certain sections thereof are rectilinear. The fiber sections and laps are immersed in a cured resin. The total density of the fibers that make up the insert ranges from 50% to 60% of the volume of the insert and the fiber sections take up 3%-10% of the volume of the insert. A method for creating a sandwich structure includes at least one such insert.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Astrium SASInventors: Georges Cahuzac, Jack Gauthier, Eric Chocheyras
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Patent number: 8113256Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate with the formation of underpressure between a mold and a vacuum foil and supply of resin from injection areas to the layers of the laminate situated in the mold. The novel aspect according to the invention comprises movement of the injection areas while the resin is supplied. This is accomplished by use of a movable suction unit which is arranged on top of the vacuum foil and which, by means of an underpressure between the suction unit and the vacuum foil, forms injection areas for supply of the resin, which can be moved by moving the suction unit. The invention further relates to such movable suction unit and the use thereof in the manufacture of laminates.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/SInventor: Torben Krogsdal Jacobsen
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Patent number: 8105068Abstract: A reusable apparatus and method for forming a composite part through vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The reusable apparatus may be configured to vacuum seal a curable material, such as composite material, against a tool and disperse a permeating substance such as liquid resin through the curable material. The reusable apparatus may comprise a sheet of material such as rubber having a plurality of surface deviations facing the curable material and the tool. The surface deviations may provide paths for evenly distributed air flow as air is evacuated from between the sheet of material and the tool. Additionally, the surface deviations may allow the permeating substance to be evenly dispersed throughout the curable material. A vacuum outlet of the tool may be positioned between two sealing apparatuses to provide continuous vacuum suction proximate a perimeter of the sheet of material to prevent air from leaking in.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.Inventors: William Tod Ross, Jeffery Max Buxman
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Patent number: 8097198Abstract: A method for producing an article of composite material. A female molding tool is provided. A form bag is provided. At least one prepreg is placed in the molding tool. A heel shaped hard tool part. A hard tool part is placed at the female tool close to an edge of the laminate being placed in the mold. The form bag is placed in the female tool so that the bag seals towards the heel shaped tool part, in such a way that, at a later air evacuation of the bag, an increased pressure that the bag will apply towards the laminate reaches a radius before the pressure reaches an edge.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: SAAB ABInventors: Max Krogager, Mathias Larsson, Claes Rudqvist, Jan Vaara
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Patent number: 8066503Abstract: A composite item is fabricated in a device for infusing a layup. The device include a mandrel, vacuum cup and bagging film. The mandrel is to receive the layup. The mandrel includes a reinforcement receiving zone and a resin receiving zone substantially adjacent to the reinforcement receiving zone. The vacuum cup is in cooperative alignment with the resin receiving zone. The bagging film is to generate a gas tight envelope surrounding the reinforcement receiving zone and the resin receiving zone. The vacuum cup is sealed upon the bagging film to generate a chamber above the resin receiving zone.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Robert D. Hawkins
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Publication number: 20110266721Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontal molding method and apparatus of an interior material of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: HAN IL E HWA CO., LTD.Inventors: In Ho Song, Ji Hyun Cho
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Patent number: 8038432Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum thermoforming disposable drink cups lids including the step of imparting printing to the lids in two or more colors while they are in contact with the vacuum thermoforming platen.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Inventor: Ivonis M. Mazzarolo
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Publication number: 20110221090Abstract: A method of deforming an outer wall of polymer pipe is provided. The method includes: forming dual-wall pipe having a smooth wall and a corrugated wall; extruding an outer wall of pipe onto the corrugated wall of the dual-wall pipe; penetrating the outer wall of pipe with a vacuum punch; and drawing a vacuum between the corrugated wall and the outer wall via the vacuum punch; wherein the vacuum drawn between the corrugated wall and the outer wall causes the outer wall to deform in a direction towards the corrugated wall. An apparatus for forming an outer wall of pipe and a mold configured to form a coupling preform in a segment of continuously-extruded and molded polymer pipe are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventor: Gerald S. Sutton
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Publication number: 20110214803Abstract: A method of vacuum thermoforming a thermoplastic sheet together with a decorative insert. The decorative insert is placed on a first portion of a surface of a mold tool. The insert is retained in place by applying a localized vacuum to the insert via a plurality of passages through the first portion of the mold tool. The thermoplastic sheet can then be placed over the insert and over the remaining surface of the mold tool. The thermoplastic sheet is then drawn against the mold surface and over the decorative insert by applying a vacuum at a second portion of the surface. The mold surface can be grained or otherwise textured and this texture can extend continuously across the transition between the first and second portions. This permits use of the mold tool to apply a continuous textured surface when used to mold the thermoplastic sheet without the decorative insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Frederick J. Homburg, JR., Christophe Baillet
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Patent number: 7980840Abstract: A mold and method for vacuum assisted resin transfer molding of a fiber reinforced laminated structure are provided. The mold includes a first mold part and a second mold part. The first mold part defines a negative impression of the laminated structure, being structurally stable and forming a support for fiber reinforcement layers of the laminated structure. The second mold part connectable to the first mold part for closing the mold and defines together with the first mold part an enclosed space which can be evacuated. The mold further includes a flow duct for guiding a liquid polymer which is formed as a recess in the first mold part and/or a recess in the second mold part that is open towards the enclosed space and extends along a section of the periphery of the first mold part and/or the second mold part.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Claus Burchardt, Allan Hurup, Michael Nørlem, Bendt Olesen, Henrik Stiesdal
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Publication number: 20110169192Abstract: An in-mold labeling apparatus for an injection-molded product includes a label magazine, a handling tool, an injection mold, and a controller. The injection mold has a suction port disposed in the mold cavity. A pin may be fixedly or movably disposed in the suction port. A method of in-mold labeling an injection-molded product includes applying a static charge to the label using the handling tool, activating the suction port in the mold cavity, deactivating a suction port of the handling tool, and activating the injection molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Thomas R. Houdeshell, Bradley A. Atkins
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Publication number: 20110140313Abstract: An insertion plunger for inserting at least one wrap-around label and at least one bottom label into an injection mold for producing a plastic container has an outer plunger and an inner plunger that is movable relative to the outer plunger. In a method for insertion of a wrap-around label and a bottom label into an injection mold, the labels are inserted by an insertion plunger in that the wrap-around label and the bottom label are inserted in a single stroke performed by the insertion plunger into the injection mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: MARBACH MOULDS & AUTOMATION GMBHInventor: Daniel Döbler
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Publication number: 20110003025Abstract: The system for vacuum formation of a dental appliance is a fully automated vacuum formation machine for dental appliances, such as retainers and the like. The system includes a base having a perforated top vacuum plate in communication with a vacuum source. A heating unit is positioned above the perforated top vacuum plate, and a controller is in communication with the heating unit and the vacuum source for selective actuation thereof. A holder releasably receives a thermoplastic plate. The holder is selectively positionable vertically over the perforated top vacuum plate and a dental impression cast mounted thereon. The holder is positioned by a linear actuator or the like, in communication with the controller. A sensor is positioned adjacent the perforated top vacuum plate for measuring the thermoplastic plate's thickness as it is molded about the dental impression cast, and is communication with the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventor: Mitesh Patel
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Patent number: 7807080Abstract: Thermoplastic parts are made of predominantly single unit thickness but with marginal areas of increased thickness by molding two parts in a common mold having overlapping mold portions. Two thicknesses of thermoplastic material are molded together in the areas of increased thickness at opposite ends of the common mold and the parts are separated from one another by trimming such that each part has an area of increased solid wall thickness and an area of reduced thickness.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: Lance T. Hampel
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Patent number: 7785089Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for forming a compacted powder slug coated with a film. The powder, e.g. of a medicament, is compacted and enrobed to produce compacted powder slugs by preferably mechanically compacting a powder and forming a film of a material, preferably hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, by vacuum or pressure differential, about the surface of the powder thus compacted.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Bioprogress Technology LimitedInventors: Jason Teckoe, Colin Merwood, Michael Dann, Stephen Ronald Kessel, Ian Povey, Martin Good
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Patent number: 7762803Abstract: The present invention provides a bottomed cylindrical container, comprising a body wall, a bottom wall, and a ring-shaped foot downwardly extending from the bottom wall, said container being produced by thermo-molding a resin sheet, characterized in that said foot is formed by folding an inner wall by compressed fluid to be fusion-bonded with an outer wall, so as to form the foot comprising the inner wall and the outer wall. The present invention also provides a bottomed cylindrical container, comprising a body wall having a grounding edge at a lower end thereof, and a bottom wall, said container being produced by thermo-molding a resin sheet, characterized in that said bottom wall connects with an upper edge of an inner wall produced by folding back the body wall along the grounding edge and by fusion-bonding it to an inner periphery of the body wall. In addition, the present invention provides the methods for thermo-molding these containers and their apparatuses.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinsaku Nakazato, Yasuo Takeshita, Toshiyuki Yokoyama
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Publication number: 20100163178Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a fiber reinforced resin composite component by a resin transfer infusion (RTI) process in which a preform is laid up on a hard base tool and a bagging blanket is applied as a flexible upper tooling. Edge and/or other regions of the preform are superimposed by localized control plates which, together with spacer pins passing through the preform, serve to determine localized dimensional accuracy in the component without the need for hard upper tooling throughout.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2007Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventor: William James Trevor Millar
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Patent number: 7727449Abstract: Production device and method for producing fiber-reinforced plastic components comprising a semi-finished prepreg product and a dry semi-finished textile product with an aeration and deaeration chamber and an exhaust line opening into the same for producing a vacuum and a semi-finished textile product chamber to receive a dry semi-finished textile product. Into the semi-finished textile product chamber an injection line for inserting resin opens, whereby a prepreg chamber for receiving a semi-finished prepreg product is provided. The prepreg chamber is located against the aeration and deaeration chamber in an air-permeable manner and the semi-finished textile product chamber is located against it at least in areas in an air-impermeable and resin-permeable manner. Due to the air-permeable membranes, a vacuum in the aeration and deaeration chamber generates a vacuum both in the prepreg chamber and in the semi-finished textile product chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbHInventors: Torsten Lorenz, Franz Stadler, Stefan Utecht
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Patent number: 7708544Abstract: The apparatus comprises a mold assembly including at least one bore therethrough having a cavity therein defining the shape of the finished microneedle shape to be formed therein. The bore has an inlet opening and an exit opening. The apparatus also comprises means for locating the polymer to be formed at one end of the cavity and means for introducing fluid into the inlet opening of said bore and into the cavity. The apparatus also comprises exhaust means communicating with the exit opening of the bore, so that introducing the fluid through the polymer causes the polymer to assume the shape of the cavity and the fluid forms a hollow channel to define a needle-like structure in the polymer as the fluid is exhausted through the cavity and the bore.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: 10x Technology LLCInventor: Robert M. Pricone
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Patent number: 7699594Abstract: A method and an apparatus for supplying a label to a pseudo-core with the label held in the right position that can reduce the rate of producing defective molded products. They also can delivery a label with reduced suction force for drawing the label so as to downsize the apparatus and reduce the cost. A label 25 that is sucked and held at least at a longitudinal central part thereof is introduced into a pseudo metal mold 23 having a hollow section 23a whose inner surface shows a profile substantially agreeing with the outer profile of a corresponding pseudo-core and an aperture section 23b communicating with the hollow section 23a by way of pseudo metal mold 23 so as to extend along the inner surface of the hollow section 23a, while it is being resiliently deformed. Subsequently, the label 25 is supplied to the pseudo-core 21 coming into the hollow section 23a of the pseudo metal mold 23.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Star Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tatunari Ito