Vacuum Or Suction Patents (Class 425/504)
  • Patent number: 8556617
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Broetje Automation GmbH
    Inventors: Raphael Reinhold, Stefan Juergens
  • Publication number: 20130258034
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: DEVLINKS, LTD.
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Devlin, Vladislav Valentinov Dimitrov, Scott Ryan Jackson, Jerry John Handzlik, James Scott Adams, Michael Lee Horn
  • Patent number: 8540919
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 8535042
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bowden Kirkpatrick, Mark Ernest Vermilyea, Mitchell Harold Boyer, Ming Xie, Elliott Keller Schulte, Benjamin Wayne Ferrell
  • Publication number: 20130234373
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Ichwan Muhammad Zuardy, Pierre C. Zahlen, Karim Grase, Claudio B. Vultaggio, Axel Siegfried Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8500085
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Torben Jacob, Joachim Piepenbrock
  • Patent number: 8460502
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaise F. Bergmann, Dwight D. Spaulding, John P. McPherson
  • Patent number: 8444892
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Luca Toncelli
  • Patent number: 8425715
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Suss Microtec Lithography, GmbH
    Inventor: Gregory George
  • Patent number: 8418740
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Chapman, Robert M. Watson, Donald A. Anderson, Marc J. Piehl, Joseph L. Sweetin, Douglas L. Grose
  • Patent number: 8409489
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Marbach moulds & automation GmbH
    Inventor: Daniel Döbler
  • Patent number: 8393371
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Joseph Bryant, Christopher J. Morrow, Kenneth I. Fried
  • Patent number: 8356989
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John C. Waldrop, William R. Burkett, Carmine J. Sesti, Bruce Harshman, Alan F. Tegeler, Wesley P. Weinman
  • Patent number: 8328976
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Lianyungang Zhongfu Lianzhong Composites Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guifang Ren, Guanghui Qiao, Huixiu Huang, Xiaoliang Qiao
  • Patent number: 8298362
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Sakai, Keisuke Okada, Yayoi Okui
  • Patent number: 8282382
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: IVMA Holdings Company
    Inventor: Ivonis M. Mazzarolo
  • Publication number: 20120241992
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Karl M. Nelson, Kurtis S. Willden, Anoshiravan Poursartip, Malcolm D. Lane
  • Patent number: 8235695
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Kiuchi, Hideo Mizutani
  • Patent number: 8231819
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/S
    Inventor: Torben Krogsdal Jacobsen
  • Publication number: 20120189816
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony Peter Adlington
  • Patent number: 8226393
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Mitesh Patel
  • Patent number: 8221666
    Abstract: A method for producing a composite structure and a composite structure obtained by the method is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/S
    Inventors: Tommy Mikkelsen, Morten Stage
  • Patent number: 8211263
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Applied FT Composite Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Kim
  • Patent number: 8210841
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Justin B. Alms, James L. Glancey, Suresh G. Advani
  • Patent number: 8202454
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Claus Burchardt, Allan Hurup, Michael Nørlem, Bendt Olesen, Henrik Stiesdal
  • Patent number: 8197244
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Trans-Textil GmbH, Eads Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Utecht, Wilhelm Krings, Manfred Hänsch
  • Publication number: 20120104641
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Mark L. La Forest, Roger L. Klinedinst, David M. Wright
  • Patent number: 8162652
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Aerospace Services Limited
    Inventors: Giovanni Antonio Marengo, Paul Michael Roberts, Jonathan Moram
  • Patent number: 8163126
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tohru Harada, Kazuhisa Mishima, Hirokazu Yamanishi, Yoshiaki Yanagida
  • Patent number: 8137499
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Luebbering, Hauke Lengsfeld, Roland Brandenburg
  • Patent number: 8137491
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Astrium SAS
    Inventors: Georges Cahuzac, Jack Gauthier, Eric Chocheyras
  • Patent number: 8113256
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/S
    Inventor: Torben Krogsdal Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 8105068
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Tod Ross, Jeffery Max Buxman
  • Patent number: 8097198
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Max Krogager, Mathias Larsson, Claes Rudqvist, Jan Vaara
  • Patent number: 8066503
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20110266721
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontal molding method and apparatus of an interior material of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: HAN IL E HWA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: In Ho Song, Ji Hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 8038432
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Ivonis M. Mazzarolo
  • Publication number: 20110221090
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Gerald S. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20110214803
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Homburg, JR., Christophe Baillet
  • Patent number: 7980840
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Claus Burchardt, Allan Hurup, Michael Nørlem, Bendt Olesen, Henrik Stiesdal
  • Publication number: 20110169192
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas R. Houdeshell, Bradley A. Atkins
  • Publication number: 20110140313
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: MARBACH MOULDS & AUTOMATION GMBH
    Inventor: Daniel Döbler
  • Publication number: 20110003025
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Mitesh Patel
  • Patent number: 7807080
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Lance T. Hampel
  • Patent number: 7785089
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Bioprogress Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jason Teckoe, Colin Merwood, Michael Dann, Stephen Ronald Kessel, Ian Povey, Martin Good
  • Patent number: 7762803
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinsaku Nakazato, Yasuo Takeshita, Toshiyuki Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20100163178
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: William James Trevor Millar
  • Patent number: 7727449
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Lorenz, Franz Stadler, Stefan Utecht
  • Patent number: 7708544
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: 10x Technology LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Pricone
  • Patent number: 7699594
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Star Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatunari Ito