Female Mold And Means To Shape Parison Directly By Internal Fluid Pressure, (e.g., Blow Mold, Etc.) Patents (Class 425/522)
  • Patent number: 6660216
    Abstract: Processes and apparatus for blow molding include a mold surfaces having micrograined patterns to improve venting and surface finish. The micrograined patterns are preferably in the form of projections that define between them a network of interconnected channels. The projections are of a sufficient height that they engage the outer surface of a fully-expanded parison and form venting passages with the parison surface to permit trapped air to escape and migrate through vent holes which communicate with the channels. The dimensions and shape of the projections are selected to provide for the formation of venting passages while preventing the formation of patterns in the surface of the molded product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Conix Corporation
    Inventor: Marshall R Porter
  • Patent number: 6659750
    Abstract: A mold is provided for forming molded parts having flash seams which are moved to inconspicuous locations. The mold, which is typically used to make blow molded parts, includes two or more mold blocks and removable inserts which allow relocation of flash seams and at the same time allow removal of the finished part from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Omnimold, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn L. Overmyer, Martin Cass
  • Patent number: 6648623
    Abstract: A quick change blow mold shell assembly is disclosed. The blow mold shell assembly includes a carrier plate and a blow mold half shell for being fastened to the carrier plate. A first slotted opening is defined in an edge of the carrier plate, and a corresponding second slotted opening is defined in an edge of the blow mold half shell. The first and second openings are placed in registry with one another as the shell is positioned on its carrier plate. A fastener clip is also provided, the clip being sized and shaped to be received in each one of the respective openings, and being constructed and arranged to align the first and second openings with respect to one another, to draw the shell snugly against the carrier plate, and to fasten the shell to its carrier plate as a fastener is passed through the clip and into the carrier plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sidel, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Petre
  • Patent number: 6615472
    Abstract: A quick change blow mold shell assembly is disclosed. The blow mold shell assembly includes a carrier plate and a blow mold half shell for being fastened to the carrier plate. A first slotted opening is defined in an edge of the carrier plate, and a corresponding second slotted opening is defined in an edge of the blow mold half shell. The first and second openings are placed in registry with one another as the shell is positioned on its carrier plate. A fastener clip is also provided, the clip being sized and shaped to be received in each one of the respective openings, and being constructed and arranged to align the first and second openings with respect to one another, to draw the shell snuggly against the carrier plate, and to fasten the shell to its carrier plate as a fastener is passed through the clip and into the carrier plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sidel, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Petre
  • Publication number: 20030151168
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a textile covered part in a plastic molding machine. A textile segment such as a piece of carpet is sprayed with a water mist prior to being loaded into the plastic molding machine. In a blow molding operation, a blow molding parison is loaded into the mold and expanded with compressed air to form the textile covered part. The machine includes a blow molding machine and a spray applicator that sprays water onto the textile segment prior to being loaded into the blow molding machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Terrence G. Gohl, Stephen J. Hawkins, Timothy C. Heslet, John T. Kuykendall
  • Publication number: 20030146549
    Abstract: An in-mold labeler (24) and a method for in-mold labeling a rotary plastic blow molding machine (22) includes a dispensing assembly (38) having a dispensing wheel (42) that is rotatably mounted on a base (40) and supports a plurality of dispensing head assemblies (46) each of which includes a support (48) and a dispensing head (50). An actuator (56) including a first cam mechanism (58) and a second cam mechanism (64) moves the support (48) of each dispensing head assembly (46) along the rotary path of movement of an adjacent open mold (30) of the blow molding machine and angularly positions the support in alignment with a moving mold parting plane of the adjacent open mold in a manner that permits high speed operation of the in-mold labeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Dunlap, Edward L. Sanford, David M. Amirault
  • Publication number: 20030141636
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for vacuum blow molding that utilizes vacuum force to hold, and thus, preclude movement of the parison within the mold cavity, whereupon highly-pressurized or compressed air is utilized to forcefully pierce the parison for expansion and conformation of the parison to the mold interior, thus affording consistent and uninterrupted production of the desired blow molded product without dependency upon blow pins or hollowed needles as utilized in prior art methods and machinery for blow molding processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Michael E. Jimmerson
  • Publication number: 20030124212
    Abstract: A quick change blow mold shell assembly is disclosed. The blow mold shell assembly includes a carrier plate and a blow mold half shell for being fastened to the carrier plate. A first slotted opening is defined in an edge of the carrier plate, and a corresponding second slotted opening is defined in an edge of the blow mold half shell. The first and second openings are placed in registry with one another as the shell is positioned on its carrier plate. A fastener clip is also provided, the clip being sized and shaped to be received in each one of the respective openings, and being constructed and arranged to align the first and second openings with respect to one another, to draw the shell snuggly against the carrier plate, and to fasten the shell to its carrier plate as a fastener is passed through the clip and into the carrier plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: PATRICK PETRE
  • Publication number: 20030111586
    Abstract: A rotary insert for a mold used in a molding die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Gary A. Durivage
  • Publication number: 20030104098
    Abstract: A mold having a hole therein is provided, with a punch disposed within the hole in the mold surface. A portion of the punch extends out beyond the mold surface in an initial position such that the wall of the structure is initially formed therearound. The punch is movable to an activated position wherein the punch extends out beyond the mold to an extent greater than in the initial position. The punch is moved from the initial position to the activated position at a time interval after blow molding selected so that at least a portion of, and preferably a majority by volume of, the material forming the wall of the structure is in a molten state such that the cuffing edge of the punch forms a hole through the wall of the structure along a line substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the punch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Brent Schrader
  • Publication number: 20030102605
    Abstract: An apparatus for blow molding bottles having a hole formed in a molded interior recess is provided. The apparatus includes a mold having a neck forming cavity having an end flange surface. A recess forming rod is slideable within a hole in the end flange surface from an initial position wherein a face of the rod is withdrawn into the hole in the mold to an extended position wherein the face of the rod protrudes into the neck forming cavity so as to create the molded interior recess. A punch is slideable within a hole in the rod from an initial position wherein a face of the punch is withdrawn into the hole in the mold to an extended position wherein the face of the punch protrudes beyond the face of the rod into the neck forming cavity so as to create the hole in the interior recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Mark M. Rutenbeck, Brent Schrader
  • Patent number: 6561788
    Abstract: The invention is directed to modular molds for forming an inflatable member, in particular, balloons for use with balloon catheters and stent delivery systems. The detachable molds of the present invention include detachable segments including a generally cylindrical intermediate segment having an intermediate longitudinal dimension and an intermediate interior chamber with an intermediate inner diameter, and proximal and distal segments longitudinally disposed at opposing ends of the intermediate segment and having corresponding interior chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Henri A. Gaudoin
  • Patent number: 6524519
    Abstract: A molding method and a mold therefor capable of forming a doll head of a shape exactly conforming to a mold by blow molding using a safe molding material. A split mold (2, 3) which has an inner surface formed to have a configuration conforming to a shape of a doll head (17) is so arranged that a parting line (18) formed by mold members (2, 3) of the split mold may be formed on a hairline of the hair of the doll head (17) or in proximity thereto. A molding material is constituted by a thermoplastic synthetic resin elastomer as a main ingredient thereof and has a plasticizer and a coloring agent added thereto. The molding material is heated and then dropped in as a parison (15) between the mold members (2, 3) of the split mold spaced from each other. Then, the mold members (2, 3) of the split mold are joined together and air is blown into the split mold. Air is removed through at least one projection such as a nose (5) or the like from a cavity during blowing of air into the split mold (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Ohba, Takahiro Ueno
  • Publication number: 20030006536
    Abstract: A plastic blow molding system (20) and a method for blow molding utilize an in-mold labeler (24) and a method for in-mold labeling a rotary plastic blow molding machine (22) includes a dispensing assembly (38) having a dispensing wheel (42) that is rotatably mounted on a base (40) and supports a plurality of dispensing head assemblies (46) each of which includes a support (48) and a dispensing head (50). An actuator (56) including first and second cam mechanisms (58, 64) moves the support (48) of each dispensing head assembly (46) along the rotary path of movement of an adjacent open mold (30) of the blow molding machine and angularly positions the support in alignment with a moving mold parting plane of the adjacent open mold in a manner that permits high speed operation of the in-mold labeling. Label transfer apparatus (160) provides high speed labeling of the dispensing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Dunlap, Edward L. Sanford, David M. Amirault
  • Publication number: 20020175448
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and rejecting defective blow molded containers is provided. The invention includes a sound detector system for sensing the sound level from a mold during the blowing process, and outputting a sound level signal. If the sound level signal exceeds a predetermined set point, thereby indicating a discontinuous container, a kick mechanism rejects the defective container. The kick mechanism is sequenced with the sound detector system. A proximity switch may be employed to indicate the mold being in position in front of the sound detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Victor M. Pena
  • Publication number: 20020150648
    Abstract: An internal bubble cooling air control system in a blown film apparatus has sensors arranged to increase response time and reduce interference, and includes a high speed valve for fast actuation of air flow from a controller in response to signals received from the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Robert E. Cree
  • Publication number: 20020146481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of hollow plastic articles, said process comprising the following steps:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Andreas Wust
  • Publication number: 20020125617
    Abstract: The invention is directed to adjustable length mold assemblies for forming inflatable members and methods for using adjustable length mold assemblies for forming inflatable members, such as, for example, balloons for use with balloon catheters and stent delivery systems. The adjustable length mold assemblies comprise at least two mold pieces adapted to fit together, one mold piece having a surface configured to be slidably received by a bore of the other mold piece, the placement of one piece within the other defining a chamber of variable length which forms the mold. Each adjustable length mold assembly of the present invention is effective to form balloons, where if desired different balloons formed by a single mold may have different lengths. The adjustable length mold assemblies may also comprise a positioner to put a mold piece in a desired position relative to the other, and a locking mechanism to secure a mold piece in a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Johann J. Skinner, Kerry J. Williams, Jonathan P. Durcan
  • Patent number: 6447281
    Abstract: A blow mold assembly is provided that comprises a blow mold shell, a mold holder and a mold holding assembly. The blow mold shell having a first annular groove disposed within the lengthwise exterior surface of the shell. The first annular groove serves as a mating surface for a support harness that positions the mold shell within the blow mold assembly. Additionally, the blow mold shell may comprise a shoulder insert that may include an independent cooling channel. The blow mold assembly comprises a mold holder that includes arcuate interior surfaces and arcuate exterior surfaces so as to create a concentric blow mold holder. The mold holder may comprise a pressure compensation element that is capable of compensating for the pressure build-up within the mold shell during the blow mold process. The blow mold assembly also comprises a blow molding holding assembly that comprises clamping brackets having arcuate inner surfaces for mating with the arcuate exterior surfaces of the mold holder or mold shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Sidel, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Petre
  • Patent number: 6436330
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the production of labeled plastic bottles, to produce labeled bottles at a high output rate and with a reliable label hold wherein the bottles are labeled in a continuous flow directly after leaving the blowing machine. The bottles are still clean and dry, and allow for a reliable attachment of the labels at a high rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Horst Winter
  • Patent number: 6428302
    Abstract: A mold assembly has two mold half shells, corresponding mold half carriers, and a novel intermediate interconnecting member comprising a pair of ring shaped locating members. The locating members have an inner locating wall, preferably a stepped shoulder, that fits into a recessed slot in the outer wall of the mold shells. The locating members have an outer wall that fits into a recessed slot in the inner wall of the mold half carriers. The inner and outer locating walls of the locating members are vertically positioned relative to each to determine the vertical registry of the mold shell to the mold carrier. By utilizing intermediate interconnecting members of differing relative vertical positioning of the inner and outer locating walls, universals mold shells and mold carriers may be used for containers having differing neck heights whereby the neck height adjustment is accommodated by changing the intermediate interconnecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Wentworth Mold Inc.
    Inventor: Tar Tsau
  • Patent number: 6423253
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method whereby in an installation (1, 2, 3) for making containers (200, 300) by blowing blanks (400), for example thermoplastic preforms, the high pressure fluid derived from degassing a container is re-used and injected (14) into a container previously degassed, for example for cooling it or for thoroughly spraying the inside thereof to solidify the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Sidel
    Inventors: Christophe Bunel, Michel Martin
  • Patent number: 6416308
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and rejecting defective blow molded containers is provided. The invention includes a sound detector system for sensing the sound level from a mold during the blowing process, and outputting a sound level signal. If the sound level signal exceeds a predetermined set point, thereby indicating a discontinuous container, a kick mechanism rejects the defective container. The kick mechanism is sequenced with the sound detector system. A proximity switch may be employed to indicate the mold being in position in front of the sound detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Victor M. Pena
  • Patent number: 6416706
    Abstract: Apparatus for molding articles from moldable material in a mold includes end of arm tooling for an articulated robot arm associated with the mold, where the end of arm tooling includes an insert transfer member mounted on the end of the articulated robot arm. The insert transfer member has an insert holder for gripping the insert. The apparatus also includes a charger for generating an electric field that causes the insert to adhere onto a surface of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: SAS Automation Ltd.
    Inventors: Trent P. Fisher, John M. Westbeld
  • Publication number: 20020076463
    Abstract: A quick change blow mold shell assembly is disclosed. The blow mold shell assembly includes a carrier plate and a blow mold half shell for being fastened to the carrier plate. A first slotted opening is defined in an edge of the carrier plate, and a corresponding second slotted opening is defined in an edge of the blow mold half shell. The first and second openings are placed in registry with one another as the shell is positioned on its carrier plate. A fastener clip is also provided, the clip being sized and shaped to be received in each one of the respective openings, and being constructed and arranged to align the first and second openings with respect to one another, to draw the shell snuggly against the carrier plate, and to fasten the shell to its carrier plate as a fastener is passed through the clip and into the carrier plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Sidel, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Petre
  • Publication number: 20020012717
    Abstract: In order to provide a mold of a shape which has been designed to take into account the deformation occurring during the cooling process, the mold cavity is formed so that the external volume of a molded product obtained by blow molding in this cavity ultimately shrinks by a prescribed percentage of the volume of the mold cavity, and so that in the region of maximum shrinkage the external size of the body portion of the molded product shrinks by a prescribed percentage of the size of the corresponding portion of the mold cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: HIROSHI IWAMOTO, YUKO TAMIYA, NAOHIDE NISHIMINE, MASAHARU HATA
  • Publication number: 20020009515
    Abstract: In order to provide a mold of a shape which has been designed to take into account the deformation occurring during the cooling process, the mold cavity is formed so that the difference between the maximum and minimum shrinkage of the external size of the body portion of the molded product relative to the size of the mold cavity has a prescribed value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: HIROSHI IWAMOTO, YUKO TAMIYA, MASAHARU HATA, NAOHIDE NISHIMINE
  • Patent number: 6338188
    Abstract: A quick change system and method of interchanging molds on plastic extrusion blow molding machines is disclosed wherein a universal standard subplate is provided for use with different blow molding machines on which a variety of different mold units are removably mounted on the standard subplate with the subplate establishing a preselected precisely aligned relation automatically between the mold unit and a machine platen. A quick release locking device is provided between each mold unit and a unitary standard water manifold and detabber assembly. The unitary standard assembly is provided as a one-piece component with fluid connections communicating respectively with water and air supply sources of the water manifold and detabber and which are conveniently maintained attached without being disconnected during detachment of the unitary standard assembly from the mold unit during a mold change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Heise Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wade Allen, Brooks B. Heise, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6315546
    Abstract: A quick change blow mold shell assembly is disclosed. The blow mold shell assembly includes a carrier plate and a blow mold half shell for being fastened to the carrier plate. A first slotted opening is defined in an edge of the carrier plate, and a corresponding second slotted opening is defined in an edge of the blow mold half shell. The first and second openings are placed in registry with one another as the shell is positioned on its carrier plate. A fastener clip is also provided, the clip being sized and shaped to be received in each one of the respective openings, and being constructed and arranged to align the first and second openings with respect to one another, to draw the shell snuggly against the carrier plate, and to fasten the shell to its carrier plate as a fastener is passed through the clip and into the carrier plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Sidel, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Petre
  • Patent number: 6296471
    Abstract: A mold assembly for making a polymeric container that is shaped to exhibit superior characteristics of light weighting, stability against toppling and resistance to stress cracking includes a conventional cylindrical body portion having a longitudinal axis and a circumferential sidewall and a novel bottom portion. The bottom portion includes a central pushup area of uniformity that is substantially uniform within a spatial rotation about the longitudinal axis. The area of uniformity has a radius RG. The bottom also includes a plurality of support feet that surround and protrude downwardly from the pushup area. Each of the support feet have a bottom support surface with an inner point of contact and an outer point of contact. The outer points of contact together define an outer contact radius ROC. The bottom portion as a whole has a radius of maximum width RBASE. A plurality of ribs are positioned in valleys between the support feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jizu J. Cheng, Jeffrey D. Krich
  • Patent number: 6290485
    Abstract: A method for installing a stent in a vessel utilizes a single balloon catheter for both low pressure predilation at a relatively small diameter to open the lesion sufficiently to allow insertion and deployment of the stent across the lesion and for subsequent high pressure embedding of the stent in the vessel wall. The same balloon catheter may also be employed to insert and deploy the stent. The balloons utilized in the method have a stepped compliance curve which allows for predilation at a low pressure and predetermined diameter and for high pressure embedding at a substantially larger diameter. The balloons may be provided with a configuration in which only a portion of the balloon has a stepped compliance curve while a further portion has a generally linear compliance profile. With such balloons high pressure treatment of the vessel wall areas not reinforced by the stent can be avoided despite the occurence of longitudinal shrinkage of the stent during expansion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Lixiao Wang
  • Patent number: 6264876
    Abstract: In-mold-labeling method and apparatus for labeling a plurality of cylindrical bottles simultaneously by withdrawing the end label from each of a plurality of spaced apart lanes of a label magazine, moving the transfer mechanism supporting such labels to a position aligned with the recesses of a mold and inserting a label in each of said recesses. The support mechanism with vacuum heads carrying adjacent labels causes adjacent vacuum heads to be moved to a position closer together when aligned with the mold recesses than when aligned with the respective lanes of the label magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas P. Ballay
  • Patent number: 6244852
    Abstract: The receptacle is produced in a coextrusion-type blow molding process and consists of a stiff outer receptacle and an easily deformable inner bag which are made from respectively different thermoplastic materials that do not form a welded joint with one another. The bottom of the receptacle includes a welded seam in the area of which the welded seam of the inner bag is clamped. Pressure compensating openings are formed in the outer receptacle by the measures that a notch is cut in, except for a small residual wall thickness, and that the residual wall section is torn open by applying a force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Gaplast GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Kneer
  • Patent number: 6224817
    Abstract: A container (5) such as a bottle made of thermoplastic material and provided with a bottom wall having an inwardly convex curved central portion (3) is disclosed. The container is produced by blow moulding a blank (4) with at least one incipient bottom recess (3) in a finishing mould (15a, 15b, 11) of which the bottom wall (11) has an arched central portion (10) substantially matching the recess in the bottom of the container to be produced. Said container is produced by causing relative rotation of the central portion (10) and the blank (4) when said central portion is positioned in the recess in the bottom of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Sidel
    Inventor: Pascal Villers
  • Patent number: 6196828
    Abstract: A double-walled thermoplastic article includes a double-walled body having inner and outer walls and an insert having visible portions and recessed runner sections. The body includes an insert portion in which its inner and outer walls are contiguous. The insert is attached to the body insert portion such that the visible portions of the insert are exposed and the runner sections are embedded within the insert portion. The article can be produced by a double-walled blow molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Delta Consolidated Industries
    Inventor: John Parks Newby, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6193925
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for inserting labels into blow-molded hollow articles. The blow-molding apparatus includes a carrousel mounted to rotate within a support frame. The carrousel carries four multi-cavity molds around a circular mold path. Two blow-molding workstations are disposed next to the mold path in fixed positions relative to the frame. The carrousel is indexed to cause each mold to pause by each workstation, and at a label-insertion station, one time during each carrousel revolution. An in-mold labeler inserts a label into each mold at the label-insertion station. The in-mold labeler includes four picker heads supported on a carriage that shuttles the heads between label dispensing magazines and the mold station path. Each magazine includes a label stack receptacle in which labels rest edgewise, by gravitational force on a pair of label guide surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: UNOVA-R & B Machines Tool Co.
    Inventors: Lawrence H. Weber, David M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6186767
    Abstract: A dispensing head (36) for an in-mold labeling system includes a lever assembly (106) rotatively driven by a rotary drive member (74) and having a pair of levers (108) that are adjustable with respect to the rotary drive member independently of each other. Each lever (108) has a cam and follower connection (112) to an associated label carrier (38) such that rotation of the rotary drive member (74) provides movement of the label carriers (38) between retracted and label transfer positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventors: Richard L. Dunlap, Edward L. Sanford, David M. Amirault
  • Patent number: 6183238
    Abstract: An in-mold labeling system for use with a rotary blow molding machine (10) includes first and second electrical servomotors (46, 64) and first and second cam mechanisms (48, 66) respectively driven by the servomotors to move a dispensing head (36) between supply and delivery locations and to move a label carrier (38) on the dispensing head between retracted and label transfer positions independently of each other. A sensor (92) of the system senses rotation of a rotary wheel (12) of the machine to operate first and second electrical controllers (84,86) that respectively operate the first and second electrical servomotors (46,64) in coordination with the machine operation but independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Dunlap, Edward L. Sanford, David M. Amirault
  • Patent number: 6176698
    Abstract: A mold for forming an inflatable medical balloon having inverted conically shaped tapered regions, comprising: a mold body defining a mold cavity having an inner molding surface, and opposing first and second generally conical molding surfaces disposed along a longitudinal axis passing through the mold cavity, each of the first and second generally conical surfaces defining a frustum tapering inwardly from a base disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mold cavity and located away from the center of the mold cavity, to an apex disposed along the longitudinal axis towards the center of the mold cavity relative to the base; and a method of molding a balloon using the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Medtronic AVE, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Grantz, Raymond E. Godaire
  • Patent number: 6117386
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a centering, perfusion catheter balloon. A mold member is formed having an axial aperture. A plurality of axially spaced sets of transverse holes through the mold member. Each set of holes includes one or more holes, with the holes in each succeeding set at a predetermined angle to the holes in the immediate preceding set. A tight fitting sleeve is provided around the mold member. A plastic tube is inserted into the axial hole and the assembly is heated and the tube is internally pressurized to cause the tube to expand the tube into the holes, forming outwardly extending knobs on the tube. The tube is cooled and fluid is evacuated from the tube, causing the tube to draw the knobs into the axial aperture to permit the completed tube to be withdrawn. The tube can then be assembled into a treatment catheter assembly with the knobs maintaining a treatment device centered in the balloon while the knobs allow fluid perfusion along the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Medronic Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Stiger
  • Patent number: 6116888
    Abstract: Improved blow-molding prototype molding system, method and apparatus wherein a plastic container is first designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce a geometric computer software model of a hollow plastic container of desired contour. This model is then used to generate a geometric computer software model of a corresponding mold cavity. This data file in turn provides the control signal for a cutting tool of a CNC three axis mold machining tool operating on a starting blank for each mold half of metal material having predetermined and constant length, width and thickness outside dimensions. A mold cavity is thereby automatically machined in a front face of this blank that constitutes one of the two major and parallel face planes of the mold half block. The other half of the mold cavity is similarly formed in the front face of a second mold half block that cooperates with the first mold block to form the two mold halves of a complete blow mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Johnston, Theodore M. Czesak, Anthony J. Scott, Igor F. Beaufils
  • Patent number: 6113377
    Abstract: A moulding member defining a portion of a mould cavity for blow moulding an article in blow moulding apparatus, wherein said moulding member includes: (a) a backing member (5, 19) fixable to said blow moulding apparatus and having a wall which defines a recess in said backing member, and (b) a removable insert (3, 47) located in said recess and having a surface defining a portion of said mould cavity (11), wherein said backing member (5, 19) and said insert (3, 47) are located in register relative to each other by way of cooperating locating means (17, 73) on said insert and said backing member, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger William Clark
  • Patent number: 6099285
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for molding, in which a molten thermoplastic resin is firmly fitted onto a molding surface of a mold under a pressure lower than or equal to 100 kg/cm.sup.2 and is cured to obtain a molded product. The molding apparatus has a mold main body, and a mold body on which the molding surface is defined. The mold body is supported relative to the mold main body with maintaining a space on the back side of the molding surface in a heat insulative manner by a supporting member which includes at least a heat insulative supporting member having a thermal conductivity of 0.001 to 1 Kcal/mh .degree.C. and a longitudinal elastic modulus of 0.01 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2. In the space, a heating fluid for heating the molding surface from the bask side to a temperature higher than or equal to Vicat softening temperate (T) .degree.C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Japan Synthetic Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Kurihara, Mitsuyoshi Kumamoto, Yasuhito Ito, Masanobu Nagano, Jun Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6048189
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for molding, in which a molten thermoplastic resin is firmly fitted onto a molding surface of a mold under a pressure lower than or equal to 100 kg/cm.sup.2 and is cured to obtain a molded product. The molding apparatus has a mold main body, and a mold body on which the molding surface is defined. The mold body is supported relative to the mold main body with maintaining a space on the back side of the molding surface in a heat insulative manner by a supporting member which includes at least a heat insulative supporting member having a thermal conductivity of 0.001 to 1 Kcal/mh .degree.C. and a longitudinal elastic modulus of 0.01 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2. In the space, a heating fluid for heating the molding surface from the bask side to a temperature higher than or equal to Vicat softening temperate (T) .degree.C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Japan Synthetic Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Kurihara, Mitsuyoshi Kumamoto, Yasuhito Ito, Masanobu Nagano, Jun Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6036469
    Abstract: A quick change system and method of interchanging molds on plastic extrusion blow molding machines is disclosed wherein a universal standard subplate is provided for use with different blow molding machines on which a variety of different mold units are removably mounted on the standard subplate with the subplate establishing a preselected precisely aligned relation automatically between the mold unit and a machine platen. A quick release locking device is provided between each mold unit and a unitary standard water manifold and detabber assembly. The unitary standard assembly is provided as a one-piece component with fluid connections communicating respectively with water and air supply sources of the water manifold and detabber and which are conveniently maintained attached without being disconnected during detachment of the unitary standard assembly from the mold unit during a mold change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Heise Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wade Allen, Brooks B. Heise, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6000079
    Abstract: A container element for a furniture item, including at least one thin-walled closeable support element being fillable with air or the like from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the element forming support structure and/or a cushion for a piece of furniture as an arm-chair, a sofa, a bed or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Jan Dranger
  • Patent number: 5980233
    Abstract: An in-mold label applying device for applying a label to an interior of a metal mold for blow molding includes an entering arm composed of a first link portion having a changeable configuration, an applying arm composed of a second link portion having a changeable configuration and also having a shaft in common with the entering arm on a distal end thereof, and a label fitting portion provided on a distal end of the applying arm. When the entering arm advances toward the metal mold while changing in configuration, the applying arm also changes in configuration and is operatively associated with the changing configuration of the entering arm. When the configuration of the applying arm changes, the applying arm causes the label fitting portion to move to a prescribed position within the metal mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Oosaki
  • Patent number: 5974835
    Abstract: An I.S. machine has a plurality of individual sections each having a blank station for forming a parison from a gob of molten glass in opposed pairs of blankmold halves supported by opposed mold carriers displaceable between retracted and advanced positions and a blow station for forming a parison into a bottle in opposed pairs of blowmold halves supported by opposed mold carriers displaceable between retracted and advanced positions. The drive assemblies for the four mold carriers are identical having the same transmission for converting a rotary input into a linear output, and motor having a rotary output connected to the rotary input of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart Glass S.A.
    Inventors: Walter E. Lovell, John P. Mungovan, Joseph A. Borbone, Steven J. Pinkerton, Douglas J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5972255
    Abstract: An injection stretch blow molding apparatus has a preform molding section for molding preforms and a blow molding section for blow molding containers from the preforms retaining heat from when the preforms were injection molded. At a location in a path along which the preforms are carried from the preform molding section to the blow molding section there is a discharge guide section for guiding preforms which are not to be carried to the blow molding section off the carrying path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Nissel ASB Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Takada, Koichi Sato, Kazuyuki Yokobayashi, Shuichi Ogihara
  • Patent number: 5968560
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for producing thermoplastic containers, in particular bottles, by the blow-molding or stretch blow-molding of a preheated preform. The device comprises at least one mould consisting of two half-molds (2) each supported by a mould carrier, the two mould carriers being movable relative to each other. Each half-mould (2) comprises a shell holder (9), supported by the respective mould carrier, and a shell (7) which is equipped with a half-impression (8) of the container to be obtained and can be rendered integral in a detachable manner with its shell holder (9) by rapid-fastening means (19-23). The shell (7) and the shell holder (9) are of complementary shapes such that they contact each other at least partially for heat conduction purposes whilst the pipes and connections for circulating and/or heating fluids are provided in the shell holder alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Sidel
    Inventors: Dominique Briere, Leon Coisy, Paul La Barre, Pascal Santais