Seal (bottle Caps Only) Patents (Class 425/809)
  • Patent number: 6478568
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles such as closures include a plurality of tools mounted in opposed pairs with the tools of each pair including opposed male and female mold sections. The tool pairs are mounted for motion in an endless path. The tool pairs and associated mold sections are closed during motion in the path for compression a molding charge in the mold cavity formed between the mold sections of each pair, and opening the mold cavity to release an article formed between the mold sections. A latch mechanism is associated with each pair of tools for holding the tools and mold sections in the closed position during motion in the path independent of the mechanism for closing the tools and mold halves. In this way, forces imparted to the mold halves and tools to hold the mold closed are isolated from the machine frame. The latch mechanism is selectively unlatched to permit opening of the mold halves and release of the article compression-molded between the mold halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Ingram
  • Patent number: 6450797
    Abstract: A molding apparatus has a pair of slide inserts which are laterally movable into and out of engagement with the other mold components. The lateral movement of the slide inserts is provided by a slide mechanism having a driving rack, a pair of drive pinions at either end of the driving rack, two pairs of driven racks and a plurality of slides connected to the driven racks. The driven racks of each pair are parallel and spaced from one another, engaging opposite sides of a pinion and thereby being driven in opposite directions by rotation of the pinion. The molding apparatus is more compact than conventional devices having slide inserts, eliminates the use of slide retainers, eliminates obstructions between the mold plates when the plates are separated, and can cycle faster than conventional devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Stackteck Systems Limited
    Inventor: Ealias C. Joseph
  • Publication number: 20020122841
    Abstract: A molding apparatus has a pair of slide inserts which are laterally movable into and out of engagement with the other mold components. The lateral movement of the slide inserts is provided by a slide mechanism having a driving rack, a pair of drive pinions at either end of the driving rack, two pairs of driven racks and a plurality of slides connected to the driven racks. The driven racks of each pair are parallel and spaced from one another, engaging opposite sides of a pinion and thereby being driven in opposite directions by rotation of the pinion. The molding apparatus is more compact than conventional devices having slide inserts, eliminates the use of slide retainers, eliminates obstructions between the mold plates when the plates are separated, and can cycle faster than conventional devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: Unique Mould Makers Limited
    Inventor: Ealias C. Joseph
  • Patent number: 6401587
    Abstract: A device for producing a scoring line in the cylindrical wall of a plastic cup, comprising: a mandrel, provided with elements for positioning and retaining a cup applied thereon; a plurality of jaws, an end whereof is articulated to the mandrel so as to oscillate on radial planes; respective circular arc-shaped blades being applied to the opposite end of the jaws and being arranged on a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel; actuation elements for the jaws being further provided, as well as elements for actuating the mandrel with respect to the actuation means so as to actuate the arc-shaped blades radially from a position which is external to the cup to a position for engaging the wall of the cup at which the blades form a scoring line in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola S.c.r.l.
    Inventor: Dario Beltrandi
  • Patent number: 6390800
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming threaded molded parts such as closures for containers having improved means for unthreading the formed part from the mold core. The apparatus includes a cavity part and a core part, the cavity part being rotatable relative to the core part, such that simultaneous rotation of the cavity and opening of the mold results in unthreading of the part from the core. The mold cavity is rotationally coupled to a mold cavity rotator which is preferably driven by means of a rack. The rotation of the mold cavity is timed with the mold opening step such that the threaded part is unthreaded from the core as the mold plates are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Unique Mould Makers Limited
    Inventors: David R. Brown, Henry J. Rozema
  • Publication number: 20020040632
    Abstract: A device for producing a scoring line in the cylindrical wall of a plastic cup, comprising: a mandrel, provided with elements for positioning and retaining a cup applied thereon; a plurality of jaws, an end whereof is articulated to the mandrel so as to oscillate on radial planes; respective circular arc-shaped blades being applied to the opposite end of the jaws and being arranged on a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the mandrel; actuation elements for the jaws being further provided, as well as elements for actuating the mandrel with respect to the actuation means so as to actuate the arc-shaped blades radially from a position which is external to the cup to a position for engaging the wall of the cup at which the blades form a scoring line in the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventor: Dario Beltrandi
  • Patent number: 6368094
    Abstract: An apparatus delivers plural molten plastic pellets into cavities for compression molding of the pellets into bottle closures or bottle closure liners. The apparatus is provided for delivering molten plastic pellets from a supply of molten plastic to a plurality of molding blocks, each molding block having a row of cavities. The molding blocks are carried on a rotating carousel. The apparatus includes a rotating multi-cutter with a plurality of cutter blades, and a manifold block which receives the extruded molten-plastic and delivers the molten plastic to a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle aligned with one or more of the cutter blades. The cutter blades remove a row of plastic pellets from the molten plastic at the nozzles and deliver the plastic pellets into one row of cavities of a molding block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International
    Inventors: Michael D. Dennis, Karl Zemlin, Michael E. Albertson, Larry M. Zepf, Gayle L. Johnson, Harshad Borgaonkar
  • Patent number: 6299428
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles such as closures include a plurality of tools mounted in opposed pairs with the tools of each pair including opposed male and female mold sections. The tool pairs are mounted for motion in an endless path. The tool pairs and associated mold sections are closed during motion in the path for compression a molding charge in the mold cavity formed between the mold sections of each pair, and opening the mold cavity to release an article formed between the mold sections. A latch mechanism is associated with each pair of tools for holding the tools and mold sections in the closed position during motion in the path independent of the mechanism for closing the tools and mold halves. In this way, forces imparted to the mold halves and tools to hold the mold closed are isolated from the machine frame. The latch mechanism is selectively unlatched to permit opening of the mold halves and release of the article compression-molded between the mold halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Owen-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Ingram
  • Patent number: 6287106
    Abstract: An articulated mold cavity is disclosed for injection molding a dispensing cap including a substantially hollow body adapted for attachment to a receptacle. The body includes an open first end shaped and dimensioned for coupling to the receptacle, a side wall and a substantially closed second end including a dispensing opening formed therein. The cap also includes a closure integrally formed with the body. The closure is pivotally formed to move between a closed position in which the closure covers the dispensing opening so as to prevent the flow of material through the dispensing opening and an open position in which the closure is removed from the dispensing opening to permit the flow of material through the dispensing opening. The mold cavity includes a stationary half supporting a plurality of moveable molding plates defining a moveable half of the mold cavity. The stationary half and the moveable half define therebetween a cavity in which the molded product is defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventors: D. Blair Learn, R. Brian Learn
  • Patent number: 6238202
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for ejecting threaded injection molded articles from a mold core by simultaneous application of rotational and translational force. The apparatus has a stripper ring which is rotatable about and movable along its axis. A driver rotates a stripper ring rotator in response to input from a machine ejector rod. Input from the machine ejector rod is transferred to the driver by a helically splined spindle which is axially movable relative to the driver and which engages a corresponding helically splined bore in the stripper ring rotator. Rotation of the stripper ring rotator is transferred to the stripper ring by meshing pinions. The stripper ring rotator also has a gear which meshes with corresponding teeth in a transversely extending rack to cause movement of the rack. Cams are secured to the rack and act against cam followers connected to the stripper ring to translate transverse movement of the rack into axial movement of the stripper ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Unique Mould Makers Limited
    Inventor: Ealias C Joseph
  • Patent number: 6126026
    Abstract: A molded closure for use with a container includes a top wall defining a generally planar inner surface and a skirt depending from the top wall generally perpendicular thereto. The skirt includes a container engaging member formed therein. The closure includes a retaining projection formed in the top wall contiguous with the inner surface and extending therefrom inwardly of the closure. The projection extends from the surface perpendicular thereto and defines at least a pair of mold binding surfaces perpendicular to the top wall surface. The binding surfaces are formed in facing relation to one another. The closure is formed in a heated state, and as the closure cools, at least the binding surfaces exert a binding force on the mold block at a location forming a part of the projection to momentarily retain the closure bound to the molding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventor: Len Ekkert
  • Patent number: 6123880
    Abstract: A method for compression molding plastic articles such as closures include a plurality of tools mounted in opposed pairs with the tools of each pair including opposed male and female mold sections. The tool pairs are mounted for motion in an endless path. The tool pairs and associated mold sections are closed during motion in the path for compression a molding charge in the mold cavity formed between the mold sections of each pair, and opening the mold cavity to release an article formed between the mold sections. A latch mechanism is associated with each pair of tools for holding the tools and mold sections in the closed position during motion in the path independent of the mechanism for closing the tools and mold halves. In this way, forces imparted to the mold halves and tools to hold the mold closed are isolated from the machine frame. The latch mechanism is selectively unlatched to permit opening of the mold halves and release of the article compression-molded between the mold halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Ingram
  • Patent number: 6079973
    Abstract: Apparatus for molding plastic caps having inclined tabs integral with the lower edge of the cap skirt and radially inwardly extending ribs integral with the inner surface of the cap skirt. The tabs and ribs are formed by a plurality of blades having recesses on the ends thereof corresponding to the configurations of the tabs and ribs. The blades are mounted on a core and extend into a female mold having a cup-shaped cavity. A linear drive member is mounted on a fixed plate assembly and connected to a ratchet sleeve rotatably mounted on a movable plate assembly. The end of the ratchet sleeve is provided with circumferentially spaced teeth engaging the lower peripheral edge of the cap skirt. Movement of the movable plate assembly relative to the fixed plate assembly causes the ratchet sleeve to rotate to move the molded tabs and ribs away from the recesses of the blades so that the finished cap can be stripped from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Comar, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Manera, Frank Maatje, Arnold Zingler, Dan Lakutis, Richard A. Lappine, Don Horner
  • Patent number: 6074583
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles including closures which includes providing co-acting sets of tools including a first set for moving a core and core sleeve into engagement with a cavity mold on a second set of tooling. An actuator is provided between the first set of tooling and a fixed upper cam. The second set of tooling includes an associated actuator supporting the cavity mold and associated with a lower fixed cam. A nitrogen cylinder in the second set of tooling provides for control of the compression molding force. In a preferred form, a plurality of sets of tooling are provided in circumferentially spaced relation on a rotating turret supported by a central column. A common manifold supplies the pressure at accurately controlled pressure to each of the nitrogen cylinders. A control system is provided for monitoring and changing the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Ingram
  • Patent number: 6019592
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for molding a tamper-evident closure with tabs that extend radially inward and upward. In order to produce tabs with such a configuration, the present invention employs a tab forming element having a mold surface with an inclination corresponding to the degree to which the tabs are desired to extend radially inward and upward. After the tabs have been molded in their inclined position, they are withdrawn from the mold, temporarily altering their angle of inclination. After removal of the closure from the a first portion of the mold, the tabs are returned to the original angle of inclination through contact with a second portion of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Paresh Thakor, Mark R. Fricke
  • Patent number: 6007315
    Abstract: Apparatus for molding a plastic seal inside a closure for closing a container, having a line for transferring the closures through a closure heating station, a station for dispensing and preforming plastic material in the pasty state, suitable to deposit a dose of material inside a respective closure and preform each dose dispensed inside each closure in an annular configuration, and a final forming station, in which the preformed annular dose is molded so as to form the final seal inside the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Sacmi Cooperative Meccanici Imola S.c.r.l.
    Inventor: Pietro Busacchi
  • Patent number: 5989007
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles including closures which includes providing coacting sets of tools including a first set for moving a core and core sleeve into engagement with a cavity mold on a second set of tooling. An actuator is provided between the first set of tooling and a fixed upper cam. The second set of tooling includes an associated actuator supporting the cavity mold and associated with a lower fixed cam. A nitrogen cylinder in the second set of tooling provides for control of the compression molding force. In a preferred form, a plurality of sets of tooling are provided in circumferentially spaced relation on a rotating turret supported by a central column. A common manifold supplies the pressure at accurately controlled pressure to each of the nitrogen cylinders. A control system is provided for monitoring and changing the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Ingram, David C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5964139
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a container cap. The cap is formed of plastic and includes a flat top, a casing emanating from the flat top, and a guarantee area provided in an edge zone of the casing. The guarantee area includes at least one holding section on a surface thereof and at least one vertical incision extending over a height of the guarantee area. The apparatus includes a centering device which rotates and securely holds the cap in a fixed position based on the at least one holding section, and a cutting device which cuts the at least one vertical incision into a wall of the guarantee area at a predetermined distance from the at least one holding section while the centering device rotates and securely holds the cap in the fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Alcoa Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Spatz, Wolfhard Schwarz
  • Patent number: 5932155
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making plastic articles utilizing a plurality of tools, each of which is moved by cams and includes a nitrogen cylinder wherein provision is made for catastrophic overload prevention. For catastrophic overload prevention, one of the cams is supplied by a top plate and held in normal fixed position by a plurality of nitrogen cylinders. Abnormal movement of the top plate is detected and the machine is stopped. For predictive overload protection, a load cell is positioned at the off load position of one of the cams and any excessive load provides a signal for an alarm, interrupting the feeding of plastic charges and stopping the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Ingram
  • Patent number: 5906841
    Abstract: The present inventions relates to a mold for forming a one piece flip-top cap and process for making such a cap. A mold for forming and closing the one piece flip-top cap prior to ejection from the mold includes a first mold part, an inner core mold part and a second mold part movable into relationship with the first mold part and the inner core mold so as to form a mold cavity therebetween. The mold produces a one piece flip-top cap with a living hinge between the body and lid of the cap and which is maintained in a closed position upon ejection from the mold. Pull straps are used to ensure full closure of the cap lid to the body prior to ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Marland Mold, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Bak
  • Patent number: 5871788
    Abstract: An improved punch and die assembly for use with a closure liner insertion device is disclosed. As contrasted with prior art construction, the assembly is supported upon a pair of vertically oriented posts located adjacent the periphery of a rotating dial, the vertical axis of each post lying in a vertical plane passing through the vertical axis of the punch and corresponding die. This construction permits installation of a standard punch and die unit in conjunction with closure liner insertion machines of varying dimensions, without substantial alteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Nestech Machine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Foldesi, Steven Foldesi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5866177
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles such as closures include a plurality of tools mounted in opposed pairs with the tools of each pair including opposed male and female mold sections. The tool pairs are mounted for motion in an endless path. The tool pairs and associated mold sections are closed during motion in the path for compression a molding charge in the mold cavity formed between the mold sections of each pair, and opening the mold cavity to release an article formed between the mold sections. A latch mechanism is associated with each pair of tools for holding the tools and mold sections in the closed position during motion in the path independent of the mechanism for closing the tools and mold halves. In this way, forces imparted to the mold halves and tools to hold the mold closed are isolated from the machine frame. The latch mechanism is selectively unlatched to permit opening of the mold halves and release of the article compression-molded between the mold halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Ingram
  • Patent number: 5811044
    Abstract: A method for severing gobs of melt extrudate, transporting and placing the gobs in molds for compression molding which includes providing an extrudate from an orifice, providing a plurality of C-shaped nests, continuously moving the C-shaped nests in a path past an orifice to sever a gob from the extrudate being extruded and transporting the gob along the path to a position for delivery to a plurality of tooling moved in succession past a delivery station, and applying a force to the gob axially of each nest to deliver a respective pellet to the tooling. An apparatus is provided for severing gobs from a melt extrudate, transporting the gobs, and delivery the gobs comprising a base and a disk having an axis of rotation supported on the base for rotation about the axis. A plurality of transfer nests are mounted on the disk in circumferentially spaced relation. Each transfer nest has a generally semi-cylindrical inner surface extending about a 180.degree. and has an opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: B. Jack Rote, Frank W. Mahr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5800764
    Abstract: A method for forming a liner in a closure for a container includes forming a plastic closure cap having a circular top wall portion and a depending annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion, and depositing a quantity of moldable liner forming plastic material in the cap. A liner forming assembly which has a liner tip and a liner sleeve, the liner tip being axially movable relative to said liner sleeve, and the liner sleeve defining a plurality of circumferentially located, radially oriented venting channels positioned on an outer surface thereof, is advanced into the cap to engage the sleeve with the cap, adjacent to the venting channels, to define a liner space. The liner tip is advanced into the cap, relative to the liner sleeve, to compress a liner forming material to form the liner while restraining the flow of moldable plastic between the sleeve and the cap, and while venting gas out of the liner space through the venting channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Smeyak, Alex I. Lerner
  • Patent number: 5786079
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing items made of plastics, particularly screw caps, by pressure molding, which includes a carousel on which molding units are arranged, each molding unit comprising an upper plunger against which a half-mold is hydraulically pushed. The half-mold defines a cavity inside which a dose of plastics has been introduced. Separation elements for extracting the cap after its manufacture are associated with the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola S.c.r.l.
    Inventor: Rodiero Alieri
  • Patent number: 5776521
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a moulded article includes a stationary mould core with an external threaded surface. A female mould surrounds a portion of the mould core including the threaded surface in a mould closed condition to define a mould cavity between the mould core and the female mould. Molten plastic is injected into the mould cavity to form the moulded article. A rotatable sleeve surrounds the mould core and engages with the moulded article formed in the mould cavity. The sleeve carries a gear wheel which meshes with a pinion. A rack is associated with the pinon and is moveable linearly to impart rotation of the pinion and in turn the sleeve. A lead screw on the sleeve engages a lead screw nut to cause the sleeve to displace axially along the mould core as the sleeve rotates. Lugs on the sleeve engages the moulded article and causes it to rotate with the sleeve so that the moulded article unscrews from the mould core allowing it to be ejected from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Zygo Mould Limited
    Inventors: John B. Wright, Mark W. Burrows
  • Patent number: 5770130
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles including closures which includes providing coacting sets of tools including a first set for moving a core and core sleeve into engagement with a cavity mold on a second set of tooling. An actuator is provided between the first set of tooling and a fixed upper cam. The second set of tooling includes an associated actuator supporting the cavity mold and associated with a lower fixed cam. A nitrogen cylinder in the second set of tooling provides for control of the compression molding force. In a preferred form, a plurality of sets of tooling are provided in circumferentially spaced relation on a rotating turret supported by a central column. A common manifold supplies the pressure at accurately controlled pressure to each of the nitrogen cylinders. A control system is provided for monitoring and changing the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Ingram, David C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5736172
    Abstract: A staged, sequentially separated injection molding apparatus for forming a molded container closure includes a mold base portion, a plurality of concentric, separable telescopic mold elements, and an opening therein defined by one of the base portion and the mold elements for injecting a mold material into the apparatus. The elements are configured such that they can be separated or removed from the mold, from the inner most element outward, to provide sufficient free space for the newly molded part to flex inward as the mold elements are removed. The inward flexing of the part, permits ready removal of the next outwardly most mold element, while minimizing the possibility of damage to the molded part. Each of the mold elements includes a mold face, which in conjunction with the base portion, in part defines a mold cavity. The inner and outer mold elements and the intermediate mold element include flange portions opposite of their respective mold faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh Urmston
  • Patent number: 5670100
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles including closures which includes providing co-acting sets of tools including a first set for moving a core and core sleeve into engagement with a cavity mold on a second set of tooling. An actuator is provided between the first set of tooling and a fixed upper cam. The second set of tooling includes an associated actuator supporting the cavity mold and associated with a lower fixed cam. A nitrogen cylinder in the second set of tooling provides for control of the compression molding force. In a preferred form, a plurality of sets of tooling are provided in circumferentially spaced relation on a rotating turret supported by a central column. A common manifold supplies the pressure at accurately controlled pressure to each of the nitrogen cylinders. A control system is provided for monitoring and changing the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Ingram
  • Patent number: 5658518
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding closure liners wherein a set of tooling including a first assembly and second assembly which are movable toward and away from one another. The first assembly of tooling has a liner forming member and a closure engaging sleeve thereon and the second assembly has a closure supporting pad thereon. A cam is associated with the first assembly of tooling for moving the closure engaging sleeve into engagement with a closure and the liner forming member into position for compression molding a charge of plastic extrudate in the closure when it is supported on the closure supporting pad. A gas cylinder is associated with the closure supporting pad providing a predetermined controlled pressure that determines the compression molding force on the plastic. In a preferred mode, a plurality of sets of tooling are provided in circumferentially spaced relation to one another on a turret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Ingram
  • Patent number: 5650113
    Abstract: A plastic beverage closure including a base wall, a peripheral skirt and a plurality of threads on the inner surface of the skirt for engagement with the threads of a container which may be made of glass or plastic. The plastic closure includes a compression molded seal extending about the periphery of the inner surface of the base wall and the juncture of the base wall to the peripheral skirt. The closure includes a central axially thickened portion; a channel surrounding the thickened portion and extending radially to an annular radially thickened portion on the skirt at the juncture with the base wall. A concave surface extends from the base of the channel and merges with the surface of the annular portion. A compression molded liner is provided on the thickened portion, channel and concave surface of the closure and defines a planar sealing surface of contact with the end surface of the finish of a container and an arcuate surface for engaging the arcuate surface of a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Gregory, Dennis J. Burzynski, Bruce Jack Rote, Frank L. Sprowl
  • Patent number: 5609894
    Abstract: The present invention is a mold apparatus and method for injection molding a plastic part. A cavity mold part defines at least one main cavity. A core mold assembly has surfaces complementary with the main cavities. The core mold assembly includes an outer core mold part having a center opening. An outer ejector part is positioned for movement in the center opening. An inner stem ejector part is positioned within the outer ejector part. The cavity mold part and the core mold assembly are moved together and the thermoplastic material injected to form the plastic part. The cavity mold and the core mold assembly is separated. The outer and inner ejector parts are moved together and away from the outer core mold part. Preferably a stripper part rotates a portion of the formed part. The inner stem ejector part is then moved relative to the outer ejector part and completed plastic parts removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Rathbun Family Real Estate Group
    Inventor: W. John Rathbun
  • Patent number: 5603964
    Abstract: A method for severing gobs of melt extrudate, transporting and placing the gobs in molds for compression molding which includes providing an extrudate from an orifice, providing a plurality of C-shaped nests, continuously moving the C-shaped nests in a path past an orifice to sever a gob from the extrudate being extruded and transporting the gob along the path to a position for delivery to a plurality of tooling moved in succession past a delivery station, and applying a force to the gob axially of each nest to deliver a respective pellet to the tooling. An apparatus is provided for severing gobs from a melt extrudate, transporting the gobs, and delivery the gobs comprising a base and a disk having an axis of rotation supported on the base for rotation about the axis. A plurality of transfer nests are mounted on the disk in circumferentially spaced relation. Each transfer nest has a generally semi-cylindrical inner surface extending about a 180.degree. and has an opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: B. Jack Rote, Frank W. Mahr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5554327
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles including closures which includes providing coacting sets of tools including a first set for moving a core and core sleeve into engagement with a cavity mold on a second set of tooling. An actuator is provided between the first set of tooling and a fixed upper cam. The second set of tooling includes an associated actuator supporting the cavity mold and associated with a lower fixed cam. A nitrogen cylinder in the second set of tooling provides for control of the compression molding force. In a preferred form, a plurality of sets of tooling are provided in circumferentially spaced relation on a rotating turret supported by a central column. A common manifold supplies the pressure at accurately controlled pressure to each of the nitrogen cylinders. A control system is provided for monitoring and changing the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Ingram, David C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5540582
    Abstract: An expandable cavity core element for use in a method and system for molding a plastic article having inward or outward projections on the exterior surface. The injection mold has an expandable cavity core element adapted to move between a closed, molding position and an open, article-recovering position and which defines a mold cavity for an article to be molded. The cavity element has a base with an opening therethrough and a plurality of outwardly tapered arms extending from the base to an open end that extends into the mold cavity where it is held in place by a striker plate during the injection molding process. The cavity element has an outer, tapered exterior surface length which is always equal to or larger than the total molding length of the interior molding cavity. The cavity element may include an outwardly tapered exterior surface or a multiple-tapered exterior surface, such as an outwardly tapered surface and then an inwardly tapered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Roehr Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Catalanotti, Sassan Tarahomi
  • Patent number: 5451360
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding closure liners wherein a set of tooling including a first assembly and second assembly which are movable toward and away from one another. The first assembly of tooling has a liner forming member and a closure engaging sleeve thereon and the second assembly has a closure supporting pad thereon. A cam is associated with the first assembly of tooling for moving the closure engaging sleeve into engagement with a closure and the liner forming member into position for compression molding a charge of plastic extrudate in the closure when it is supported on the closure supporting pad. A gas cylinder is associated with the closure supporting pad providing a predetermined controlled pressure that determines the compression molding force on the plastic. In a preferred mode, a plurality of sets of tooling are provided in circumferentially spaced relation to one another on a turret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Ingram
  • Patent number: 5447674
    Abstract: A mold core for use in a two-component injection molding method is presented, in particular for two-component injection molding of plastic closures for bottles and similar containers. The invention solves the problem that integral mold cores, due to the configuration of the first molding, are only difficultly or not at all displaceable by a predetermined amount from the first molding, to form an intermediate space or second cavity for the injection of a second molding. The invention accounts for this in that the mold core consists of first and second sub-cores or tool elements and that one sub-core or tool element, after injecting the first substance, is displaceable by a predetermined amount relative to the first molding. After the second substance has been injected into the created intermediate space to form the second molding, a central tool element of the mold core is used as an ejector to support the deforming of the closure from the mold core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Frank Schellenbach
  • Patent number: 5421717
    Abstract: A device and process for forming threaded molded articles includes first and second mold halves having mold surfaces which are adapted to form a molded plastic article. The first mold half cooperates with the second mold half to form a mold cavity in a mold closed position. A nozzle for injecting plastic material into the mold cavity and a power source for relatively moving the first mold half to a position spaced from the second mold half to form a mold open position, are provided. The device also includes a movable ejection mechanism for loosening the article from the mold surface of the second mold half and for ejecting the article from the mold surface of the second mold half while in the open position. A moving mechanism is connected with the movable ejection mechanism for transmitting power to and inducing motion of said ejection mechanism. An initial source is included which converts the relative motion of the mold halves into power for powering the transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: John C. Hynds
  • Patent number: 5370519
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and dispensing segments of thermoplastic material into receptacles such as crowns, particularly into those having relatively high sidewalls, includes a conveyor for conveying the crowns through a passageway at predetermined speeds, an extruder for extruding thermoplastic material through a discharge opening, a rotary knife having blades for cutting the extruded material into segments and depositing the segments into the receptacles as they are conveyed through the passage, and a drive system for rotating the blade in response to the conveying of the receptacles. The output or driven shaft of the drive system is coupled to the rotary knife and intermittently rotates 180 degrees at a time at a speed which is twice that of the input or drive shaft, thereby avoiding contact of the knife blades with the receptacle sidewalls and ensuring clean cutting of the thermoplastic material even at low speeds of closure conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Zapata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Shapcott
  • Patent number: 5332381
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming liners of thermoplastic material within closure shells contains a movable die having an inner punch member and an annular outer mold member both of which are movable up and down in relatively slidable relation with each other and arranged so that the inner punch takes its lowermost position after the outer mold member has taken its lowermost position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower end surface of the outer mold member is beveled and defines a plurality of radial grooves. The lower end wall of the outer mold member is moved downwardly until it is opposite the horizontal wall of the closure shell. As the inner punch moves into its lowermost position, thermoplastic material is forced through the radial grooves so that a thick annular pad portion of the seal liner is formed beneath the lower end wall of the outer mold member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: ZapatA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Shapcott
  • Patent number: 5316460
    Abstract: A synthetic resin material feeding apparatus, for use in a system for forming a sealing liner on the inner surface of a top panel wall of container closure shell, has an extruder and a gear pump. The driving mechanisms of the extruder and the gear pump have an intermittent rotation-driving output for intermittently operating the extruder and the gear pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Japan Crown Cork Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kashiwa Murayama
  • Patent number: 5310331
    Abstract: In a core drive apparatus for an injection molding machine, a servomotor is used as a drive source to drive movable cores which, in conjunction with mold parts, define molding cavities. The servomotor is connected to a control device for controlling the drive of various injection molding machine units including the servomotor. The servomotor is connected to the movable cores by a driven shaft, gears, and screw shafts formed integrally with the movable cores, by attaching a movable mold body to a movable mold mounting section supporting the driven shaft. One end of the driven shaft is fitted on an output shaft of the servomotor attached to a movable platen so that attachment of a mold to the molding machine is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Shuichi Wakebe, Hisaaki Matsui, Motohiro Nagaya
  • Patent number: 5259745
    Abstract: An apparatus equipped with a molding means for molding an annular liner on the inside surface of top panel of a container closure shell. The molding means includes an anvil on which the container closure shell is placed in an inverted state, and a press tool assembly which is disposed above the anvil to ascend or descend relative to the anvil. The press tool assembly includes a punch member, an excess resin counter member arranged on the outside of the punch member, a bushing member arranged on the outside of the excess resin counter member, and a sleeve member arranged on the outside of the bushing member. The sleeve member has a passage notch and a non-passage notch. A feeder nozzle is disposed to feed a synthetic resin material into the press tool assembly, the nozzle having a discharge port positioned in the moving path of passage notch. The synthetic resin material discharged from the discharge port enters into the sleeve member through the non-passage notch and is cut away from the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Japan Crown Cork Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kashiwa Murayama
  • Patent number: 5240719
    Abstract: An apparatus for molding a cap (16) including a base portion (18) and peripheral skirt (20) extending axially from and about the base portion (18) includes an outer surface forming mold (44) for forming an outer surface of the base portion (18) and the peripheral skirt (20) and an inner surface forming mold (46) seatable within the outer surface forming mold (44) for forming an inner surface of the base portion (18) and the peripheral skirt (20). The outer surface forming mold (44) is retractable from seated engagement with inner surface forming mold (46) for exposing the moded cap (16) therebetween. The inner surface forming mold (46) includes a core portion (52) and lug forming mold portions (54) disposed radially peripherally thereabout, the lug forming mold portions (54) being able to project axially from and retract radially inwardly relative to the central core portions (52) for releasing and ejecting the molded cap (16)from the inner surface forming mold ( 46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Caran Engineering
    Inventor: Peter Hedgewick
  • Patent number: 5190769
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming an annular liner is equipped with a molding assembly which includes a press tool assembly and an anvil. The container closure shell is fed onto the anvil. The press tool assembly has a resin flow path and a means for forcibly flowing a synthetic resin material through the resin flow path. A notch is formed in the upstream portion of the resin flow path. When the molding assembly moves with respect to the feeding nozzle, the synthetic resin material discharged from the discharge port of a feeding nozzle enters into the upstream portion of the resin flow path via the notch, and is cut away from the feeding nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Japan Crown Cork Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kashiwa Murayama
  • Patent number: 5164208
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that engages a lid to a container by the formation of interlocking waves of lid material and container material. The interlocking waves are geometrically aligned relative to the interior of the container so as to maximize the burst strength of the container, and also to minimize the force required to peel the lid from the container. An unheated clamp head of the apparatus is used to clamp the lid structure immediately adjacent a heated seal head used to form the interlocking wave structure about the inside rim of the container, so as to prevent any melted portions of the container or lid from flowing to or toward the outside rim of the container, so as to prevent the formation of similar interlocking waves about the outside rim of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: James River II, Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5123824
    Abstract: Device for retaining crown caps, which can be particularly applied in machines for forming the sealing gaskets inside caps of the type having carousels which have disks which rotate about vertical axes and which further have in the peripheral region thereof semicircular and angularly equidistant seats for the support and transfer of the caps, has a rocker-like lever mounted on the disks, at each semicircular seat, which oscillates within a radial median plane of the seat. The lever has one arm controlled by an actuation cam and can, with the beak-shaped end of the other arm, internally engage the dentellated edge of the cap, so as to retain it in its seat during a preset angle of rotation of the disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: SACMI Cooperativa Meccanici Imola S.c.r.l.
    Inventor: Rodiero Alieri
  • Patent number: 5122051
    Abstract: Part ejection apparatus for ejecting molded parts from a mold carried by a movable platen in an injection molding machine. A plurality of linearly operating hydraulic cylinders are provided to move an ejector bar that is carried along guide rods supported by a movable platen so that the ejector bar moves toward and away from a mold member that is carried by the movable platen. Suitable connections can be provided between the ejector bar and the ejection mechanism of the mold to drive ejector pins carried by the mold for separating the molded part from the mold surface. Additionally, a rotary motor is also carried by the movable platen and has its axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the movable platen for connection of an output shaft of the motor with a drive mechanism carried by a mold, the drive mechanism suitable for rotating rotatable cores that form internal threads on the molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: Van K. Joyner
  • Patent number: 5071339
    Abstract: A compression molding apparatus includes a rotatable supporting member and circumferentially spaced molds mounted on the rotatable supporting member. The molds are conveyed successively through a plastic material feed zone, a compression molding zone and a discharge zone by the rotation of the rotatable supporting member. A plastic material in a heat softened state is fed into the molds which are disposed within the plastic material feed zone. Each of the molds include a first mold portion and a second mold portion which defines a mold cavity. The mold is opened and closed by moving the mold portions relative to each other in a predetermined direction. A conduit hole extending from the mold cavity is formed in the second mold portion. Each mold includes a compression rod which slides in the conduit hole. The conduit hole has a plastic receiving portion opened frontwardly in the rotating direction of the rotatable supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kashiwa Murayama, Masakazu Tatsuta
  • Patent number: 5061168
    Abstract: A modular unscrewing injection mold and core assembly therefor includes a mold base, a core receiving opening extending through the mold base, the core assembly being removably mounted in the core receiving opening and including first and second core shells that may be secured together to receive a rotating core therebetween; a mold core rotatably mounted between the shells; a pinion gear formed on the mold core for being driven by a rack in the mold base, for rotating the mold core; the core assembly being releasably secured in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Alton L. Fox