Venting Patents (Class 425/812)
  • Patent number: 6787070
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling a mold for casting optical lens. Two molding shells and a closure member form a mold with a molding cavity. To fill the mold a fluid lens-forming material is introduced into the molding cavity through a casting opening formed in the closure member. Air is venting out during the filling process through a venting opening also formed in the closure member. Both the casting opening and the venting opening are located in the upper portion of the molding cavity but spaced apart from each other at an acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Technology Resource International Corp.
    Inventor: Kai C. Su
  • Publication number: 20040164449
    Abstract: A vale assembly for a RIM system includes a body which defines a passage, a support structure within the passage, a poppet, and a detachable member which retains the poppet to the support structure. The valve assembly threads into a vent within a mold to provide a communication path for expanded material within the mold cavity. In operation, when a flow through the passage is below a predetermined force the detachable member is retained upon the stem and the valve remains open to provide venting of the mold cavity. Once the mixture expands into a more solid material and expands into the vent and valve assembly, the material flow provides a greater force against the poppet. Eventually, when a predetermined material flow generates a force upon the poppet greater than the predetermined force, the detachable member is detached from the stem and the poppet is pulled from the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher John Feeney
  • Patent number: 6776942
    Abstract: Molds made from a porous metal material allow for superior injection and compression molding of golf ball portions, such as cores, intermediate layers and covers. Use of the porous material in the sections contacting molding material, such as mold sections forming cavities, pins, or runners, allows for production of superior ball portions, with reduced formation of pin marks, knit lines, and other imperfections leading to degradation of the properties of the resulting portions. All or part of the mold can be made from the porous metal. Particular mold apparatus incorporate vacuum and/or compression devices to improve venting and release of the ball portions from the mold. Also, methods for preparing a layer for a golf ball incorporates using a mold made from a porous material and incorporating use of vacuum or pressurizing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Hyun Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 6749421
    Abstract: A patty-forming apparatus includes a mold plate having patty-forming cavities and a breather plate arranged over the mold plate. A fill slot is arranged below or above the mold cavities to fill food product into the mold cavity when the mold plate is in a fill position. The breather plate, arranged on a side of the mold plate opposite the fill slot, includes a fill recess open toward the mold plate and arranged to be in registry with the cavities when the mold plate is in the fill position to increase a transverse food product flow area along the longitudinal direction to assist filling of the cavity with food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Formax, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Sandberg
  • Patent number: 6720044
    Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical closures for containers made of flexible polyolefinic materials which are suitable to be filled with parentally administrable fluids prior to their sealing and sterilization. The polyolefinic closures have an excellent resealing capacity after being penetrated by a piercing device for establishing fluid communication with the container, even after multiple entries into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Pharmacia AB
    Inventors: Gunnar Andersson, Des Mulligan
  • Publication number: 20040047934
    Abstract: A mandrel-assisted resin transfer molding process and apparatus therefor provides a generally continuous, narrow annular channel between the perimeter of an inner male mold element and an outer female mold element. This channel allows air, heat and vapor to evenly escape and resin to outflow from the mold cavity everywhere around the edge of the part being molded. A very thin resin band forms in the channel is easily trimmed away, leaving the article completely finished on both sides and having a well defined edge that does not require shaping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Caldwell Design and Fabrication, L.L.C.
    Inventor: James D. Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20040005371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved venting apparatus installed in a tire vulcanizing mold. In the venting apparatus, an inner diameter of a center through hole formed in the casing is gradually increased in an upper direction and is gradually decreased in a lower direction for thereby forming a tapered shape. The angles of the slant surfaces of the valve head point-contacting with an upper corner portion of the center through hole are different, so that a discharging capability of air is enhanced, and it is possible to prevent a formation of a vent rubber in a finished tire which vent rubber is formed when a rubber flows into a venting apparatus. In addition, it is possible to prevent an error operation during a vulcanization and to extend a life span of a venting apparatus. The maintenance is easier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Myeong Hun Ahn, In Seog Jang, Yong Sub Kim
  • Publication number: 20040000625
    Abstract: A flap ventlid installing assembly comprising a flap ventlid and an anchor member, the top portion of which is connected to the flap ventlid and which has a longer portion not capable of being inserted as it is into the air removing hole through the opening and which has such a shape as capable of being press fitted into the air removing hole through the opening by making the longer portion to have such a size and shape capable of being inserted into the air removing hole with causing elastic deformation by applying an external force to the longer portion, and the flap ventlid can be installed in such a state that at least a part of the flap ventlid contacts with the design surface of the mold by press fitting the anchor member into the air removing hole, and the flap ventlid installing construction therefor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Ishihara
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030218275
    Abstract: The present invention provides for proper air bleed without using air wicking fabric strips and/or the perforated polyethylene material or the like. Instead, an inside surface of a curing envelope is molded with a unique embossed pattern which is designed to channel to a vacuum valve, expeditiously, all the air being evacuated from between the outer surface of a tire and an inner surface of the envelope. Additionally, a valve base area is recessed so as to allow the air channels to open directly into the valve base area during evacuation. The envelope is also designed to accept various styles and designs of air valves. Another unique feature is the creation of a decorative pattern on the inside shoulder area of a tire by transfer of a surface feature from the envelope interior. This pattern provides a significant improvement in the appearance of the finished tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Mark Thomas, Bruce A. Currie
  • Publication number: 20030218276
    Abstract: The tire mold comprises a laminated peripheral crown having a stack in the circumferential direction of a plurality of thin sheets. Cutouts distributed over several adjacent sheets increase the venting ability of the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A. & Cie
    Inventors: Denis Marchadier, Alain Soulalioux
  • Publication number: 20030214067
    Abstract: The invention is extrusion equipment and a process. The extrusion equipment links two extruders (11, 15) together. The first extruder (11) is, desirably, a counter-rotating twin screw extruder. The first extruder (11) receives organic filler, preferably wood particles or fiber, having a variable moisture content. Moisture is withdrawn from the extruder barrel. A polymer is fed from a second extruder (15) into the barrel of the first extruder (11) after the polymer is heated, mixed, and melted in the second extruder (15). The second extruder (15) can be a single screw or twin screw extruder. The combined mixture of organic filler and polymer is further mixed alone or with optional additives. The mixture is vacuum vented to remove moisture and volatiles and then extruded through a die. Additional processing steps are optional depending upon the extruded product or profile being produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: David E Murdock, Dale K Snead, Darrell S Dardenne, Ian W Mills
  • Patent number: 6644948
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved mold-half that is useful in forming golf ball covers or other layers. The mold-half is particularly useful for compression molding a thin polyurethane cover over a golf ball formed from a plurality of inner layers. The mold-half includes a cavity and a land area surrounding the cavity. The land area has an upper surface and at least one vent in fluid connection with the cavity via a chamber formed by a recessed circumferential ledge adjacent the cavity. The ledge controls the flow of excess layer material from the cavity to each vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Mydlack, Mark Roger Verronneau
  • Publication number: 20030175379
    Abstract: A forming metal mold for molding synthetic resin includes a base mold (4), a first forming mold (5) secured to the base mold (4) and having a molding recess (9), and a second forming mold (6) secured to the base mold (4) as it is combined with the first forming mold (5). The first forming mold (5) includes a transfer surface (9a) within the molding recess (9) in continuation to its opening edge for providing decoration to a molded product (17) on transcription to the surface of the molded product (17). The second forming mold (6) includes a charged opening (11) defining a cavity (14) along with the molding recess (9) and into which is charged a molding material. In this forming metal mold, the molding material is charged into the cavity (14) to transfer a pattern formed on the transfer surface (9a) to the molded article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Sudo, Akio Komori, Hideki Ohtawa, Katsuharu Ohtsuki, Taku Sunouichi
  • Publication number: 20030157297
    Abstract: A method for forming an article in which thermoplastics materials are used as the binding agent. Materials (21) are shredded in a shredder (1), compressed in a compressing chamber (15) and moulded in a moulding chamber (16, 17, 19, 20, 26, 27). The thermoplastics material is heated whilst the material is held under compression and then cooled to bind the material together. In one embodiment superheated steam is supplied via tubes (31) having apertures there along. In another embodiment superheated steam is supplied via apertures in side walls of the mould (58, 59). Blocks (62, 72) formed by the method and apparatus of the invention may find application as construction materials etc. and have good structural, thermal and acoustic properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Joseph Lelievre Lewis
  • Patent number: 6604930
    Abstract: A molding machine for a concrete mix includes a frame with a vibratible mold having a vertical through cavity with hollow cores extending downwardly in the mold cavity. A pallet receiver with a pallet thereon is movable upwardly to close the bottom of the cavity. Core tops have openings therein and ventilation pins are receivable to block air passage through the core top openings when the pallet is in mold closing position. Cups with bottom openings are in the cores below the top openings to receive and guide the pins and passageways around the pins permit suction-braking air to move past the pins to the cup bottom openings when the pins move downwardly away from the core top openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Besser Company
    Inventors: Howard N. Lumsden, Lee F. Marzean, Donald R. Andor, Michael Ponik
  • Patent number: 6592359
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides an improved meat patty forming apparatus and method of operating the same. More particularly, the present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for forming meat patties using a mold plate having multiple rows or groups of patty forming cavities. An existing single row forming machine is modified by moving the fill slot relative to the existing stroke length so that the fill slot comes in contact or fluidly communicates with at least one newly added row of cavities. This is most easily achieved by modifying the existing fill plate and by adding cavities to the existing mold plate, so that the combination of modified plates operates with the existing stroke length (which is difficult to change), to produce multiple rows of consistent meat patties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: OSI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, Darren S. Lange, Richard C. Fausey
  • Patent number: 6582641
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for making metal oxide sputtering targets from volatile and thermally unstable metal oxide powder by hot-pressing the metal oxide powder in a graphite die assembly having a ceramic barrier sleeve disposed therein to isolate the metal oxide powder from the graphite die assembly components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Praxair S.T. Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-Fung Lo, John Turn
  • Patent number: 6578471
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooking snack food pieces features a drum-type fryer which transports individual, die-cut piece preforms through hot oil contained within a cooking tank defined between the periphery of the drum and a housing in which the drum is contained. Vacuum transfer and feed rollers transfer the individual piece preforms from a die-cutting roller assembly onto the drum for cooking, and a similar roller transfers the cooked snack food pieces from the drum to a take-away conveyor for subsequent, downstream processing. The pieces are retained by suction against molding surfaces of frying mold elements distributed over the periphery of the frying drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Graham, Ponnattu Kurian Joseph, Todd Charles McNeel, Kenneth R. Brocker, Stephen N. Forti, Edward J. Goldman, Malcolm E. Taylor, Edward L. Dickinson, Patsy Anthony Coppola, Richard F. Terrazzano, Andrew C. Harvey
  • Patent number: 6572799
    Abstract: A method of releasing pressure in a non-metallic injection mold has a pressure relief valve positioned in the molten resin flow path for handling excess resin pressure. The pressure relief valve responds to excess resin pressure in the cavity by providing an alternate resin flow path for the pressurized excess resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Carl E. Radzio, Jr., Richard C. Benson, Robyn S. Chaddock
  • Patent number: 6565346
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a plastic molded article or product for use in an optical device is a mold assembly. The mold assembly includes a pair of molds having an inner mold surface forming a cavity with a preselected volume into which a molten molding material is injected via a gate or sprue to fill the cavity and thereby form a molded product having a sink surface and at least one mirror surface after the molten molding material has cooled. The inner mold surface includes at least one transfer surface portion against which the at least one mirror surface of the molded product is formed, and at least one non-transfer surface portion against which the sink surface portion of the molded product is formed. The mold assembly also includes at least one vent hole, at least one bore in communication with the vent hole so that a preselected air pressure is applied to the molten molding material in the cavity via the bore and the vent hole, and at least one exhaust hole adjacent to, but spaced from the vent hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kanematsu, Yasuo Yamanaka, Akira Fukushima, Kiyotaka Sawada, Motoyasu Murai
  • Publication number: 20030091671
    Abstract: A vulcanization mold is described for the manufacture of technical rubber products comprising a plurality of vent bores in which a blocking member is mounted which consists of a central body and a sealing part coupled to it which together form at least one angled flow path for air to be dissipated, with the central body being fixed in the vent bores, on the one hand, by clamping ribs provided at the central body and, on the other hand, by blocking elements which are formed at spring limbs of the sealing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Tayfun Serener-Thielmann
  • Patent number: 6561779
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vulcanization mold for producing rubber goods, especially vehicle tires. The mold has a number of deairing holes into which blocking mechanisms are introduced. The blocking mechanisms ensure, especially by means of the air duct being bent, that the air can be drained without any disadvantageous flash being produced. In a second embodiment, the blocking mechanisms forms a two-part valve with the central body. In this case, the blocking mechanism has an elastically deformable planar area placed on the inside of the mold which acts at least essentially as a seal in conjunction with the central body when impinged upon by the surface of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Dunlop GmbH
    Inventors: Boris Nitsch, Tayfun Serener-Thielmann
  • Patent number: 6540503
    Abstract: In order to increase the output, a device for producing ground meat patties of beef and/or pork comprises a shaping plate that can be moved out of a filling position in a shaping station into an ejecting position outside the shaping station, the shaping plate having holes that are disposed offset relative to each other in moving direction in two rows, one behind the other, a device by means of which the ground meat can be supplied under pressure via filling slots associated to each hole into the holes on the underside, said holes being covered at the top by means of a ventilation plate, an antilipbar serving to reduce the excess pressure that is disposed in the delivery area of the shaping station and having a continuous longitudinal slit and an ejection device disposed outside the shaping station above the ejecting position of the shaping plate having ejection cups whose quantity and position is coordinated with the holes 24 in the shaping plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: OSI International, Inc.
    Inventor: Johan Kugelmann
  • Patent number: 6540948
    Abstract: A method of overmolding a heat pipe includes providing an injection mold apparatus having a cavity, an input gate, a bleed off overflow gate in communication with the cavity and a tubular heat pipe charged with phase change media which is capable of being collapsed by imparting an external collapsing pressure. The tubular heat pipe is placed into the cavity in the injection mold apparatus. A net shape moldable thermally conductive material is introduced into the cavity and around the tubular pipe. The bleed off overflow gate is set to open at a predetermined pressure which less than the external collapsing pressure which would damage the heat pipe to be overmolded. Pressure is relieved in the cavity of the mold apparatus through the bleed off overflow gate when pressure in the bleed off overflow gate reaches the predetermined pressure. As a result, delicate heat pipes can be overmolded in an injection mold apparatus without damage to the heat pipe during the molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin A. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20030047830
    Abstract: A first injection mechanism of an apparatus for molding articles injects coating material into a cavity defined in a clamped mold, thereby forming a predetermined coating on the inner surface of the cavity. After the coating material is injected into the cavity, a decompression mechanism lowers the pressure in the cavity through at least one vent. After the coating is formed on the inner surface of the cavity, a second injection mechanism injects molding material into the cavity. When the pressure in the cavity is being lowered, an opening-closing mechanism opens the vent. Before or during the injection of the molding material, the opening-closing mechanism closes the vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Takayuki Ito, Katsumi Takahashi, Toshihiko Asaya
  • Patent number: 6527538
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum assisted venting of an injection mold. The apparatus includes a main body structured to be mounted around an outer circumference of the injection mold and configured to facilitate application of a vacuum pressure therein. The method and apparatus are particularly directed towards preventing the accumulation of residual material inside an injection mold and reducing the frequency of disassembly and cleaning required for the injection mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: WEA Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Pickutoski, Joseph Bistran, Lewis Gensel, William Mueller
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6524094
    Abstract: A device and a method for forming a food mass on a spit (2) for preparation of a hollow food product is based upon the use of a cylinder (5) having a cavity and a spit (2) about which the food mass is to be formed. The cylinder (5) and the spit (2) are movable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A hole (8) is provided for introducing the food mass into the space formed between the spit and an inner wall of the cylinder. The device has a piston (6) receivable in the cavity of the cylinder. The piston (6) and cylinder (5) are relatively movable in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Dana Kader
  • Publication number: 20020192321
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved mold-half that is useful in forming golf ball covers or other layers. The mold-half is particularly useful for compression molding a thin polyurethane cover over a golf ball formed from a plurality of inner layers. The mold-half includes a cavity and a land area surrounding the cavity. The land area has an upper surface and at least one vent in fluid connection with the cavity via a chamber formed by a recessed circumferential ledge adjacent the cavity. The ledge controls the flow of excess layer material from the cavity to each vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas L. Mydlack, Mark Roger Verronneau
  • Publication number: 20020192323
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus has a non-metallic injection mold and a pressure relief valve for handling excess resin pressure in the cavity mold. The pressure relief valve responds to excess resin pressure in the hollow by providing an alternate resin passage for the pressurized excess resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: CARL E. RADZIO, RICHARD C. BENSON, ROBYN S. CHADDOCK
  • Patent number: 6495083
    Abstract: An integrated circuit chip package according to the present invention includes an integrated circuit chip mounted on a substrate by a plurality of solder bumps. A mold compound is used for underfilling air gaps between the chip and the substrate. The integrated circuit chip package is formed by placing the chip and substrate within a mold cavity and pressing a transfer mold compound into the mold cavity. Air spaces between the integrated circuit chip and the substrate are underfilled by the mold compound as it is pressed in between the integrated circuit chip and the substrate. Air is allowed to escape from between the chip and the substrate during the underfilling through a vent which extends through the substrate. The underfilling material may also be used to encapsulate the chip at the same time that underfilling is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hestia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick O. Weber
  • Patent number: 6494704
    Abstract: Mold press apparatus for use in the manufacture of molded articles, particularly starch-bound containers and other articles. The mold press apparatus includes a planar array of female mold halves and a corresponding planar array of male mold halves. The planar array of mold halves remain substantially coplanar throughout the process of selectively mating and separating the male and female mold halves. When used to manufacture molded articles from aqueous starch-based compositions, the molds are equipped with venting means, such as vent holes and/or a vent gap, which allow for the escape of water vapor from the mold cavities defined by the mated male/female mold pairs. A suction removal system may be used to remove the molded articles from the mold press apparatus, typically from the female mold halves. The demolded articles are deposited on a conveyor system equipped with individual nests for each article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Per Just Andersen, Amitabha Kumar, Sandeep Kumar, Denise S. Miller, Simon K. Hodson
  • Patent number: 6491854
    Abstract: A metallic mold for tire curing is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of pieces for forming a tread pattern of a tire by sections, the pieces being fixed to a back block and arranged in an annular form. In this case, each piece is composed of a plurality of piece block layers laminated by performing a plurality of shots of die casting for metallic materials, and a very small gap is formed in a joined portion between the piece blocks by means of coagulation and contraction of the metallic materials. Because of this constitution, formation of a gap having necessary exhaust performance in an optional position of a molding surface can be facilitated. Accordingly, an appearance of a produced tire can be improved without preventing spew formation, and the production of defectives can be reduced during curing and molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuzou Sano
  • Patent number: 6478990
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. The lens forming unit may include an LCD filter disposed between activating light sources and a mold assembly. The mold assembly preferably includes two mold members held together by a gasket. The gasket preferably includes four protrusions spaced at 90 degree intervals about the gasket. A lens forming composition may include a first photochromic compound, a second photochromic compound and a light effector. The light effector may alter the color of a lens when exposed to photochromic activating light, when compared to a lens formed from a lens forming composition which does not include a light effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Galen R. Powers, Larry H. Joel
  • Publication number: 20020162941
    Abstract: A tire mold comprises a molding face for shaping the outside of a tire and a vent structure, wherein the vent structure comprises a hole having an opening in the molding face, an inserted piece disposed in the hole so that the surface of the inserted piece defines a part of a molding face, and a micro-gap of not more than 100 micrometers formed between the inserted piece and the hole for the purpose of vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Masahiro Hanya
  • Patent number: 6468459
    Abstract: A pair of thin-walled portions 6 are formed on packing 3 between a seal lip portion 92 and a vent hole in a connector housing 1. A pair of short-shot preventing ribs 8 are located contiguously to the thin-walled portions 6. The short-shot preventing ribs 8 are formed in a mold between the seal lip portion 92 and the vent hole (vent core 5), and a packing material is allowed to reach the vent hole via a narrow gap between each short-shot preventing rib 8 and the connector housing 1. Consequently, the flow resistance of the packing material increases, so that the packing material is preferentially filled in seal lip portions 91 and 92. The short-shot preventing ribs 8 may be formed on the connector housing 1 instead of the mold. The pair of short-shot preventing ribs 8 are formed, and the packing material is allowed to reach the vent hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Shogo Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20020145218
    Abstract: A mandrel-assisted resin transfer molding process and apparatus therefor provides a generally continuous, narrow annular channel between the perimeter of an inner male mold element and an outer female mold element. This channel allows air, heat and vapor to evenly escape and resin to outflow from the mold cavity everywhere around the edge of the part being molded. A very thin resin band forms in the channel is easily trimmed away, leaving the article completely finished on both sides and having a well defined edge that does not require shaping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Caldwell Design and Fabrication, L.L.C.
    Inventor: James D. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6454556
    Abstract: A vacuum and pressure tight cooling or ventilating device, specifically designed for thermoforming stations, comprises a shutter element for opening and closing respectively the cooling and ventilating device, the shutter element being mounted on an air inlet section of the ventilating device which, in turn, is completely arranged outside of its related thermoforming station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: GAM Impianti S.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio De Nichilo
  • Patent number: 6447707
    Abstract: There is provided a molding method of a thermosetting resin in which the formation of a flash can be prevented. This molding method comprises pouring or injecting the thermosetting resin into a mold, and then heating and molding it, and the method further comprises the step of locally heating an unnecessary gap and its peripheries of the mold, which are not concerned with the molding of the thermosetting resin into a desired article having a required shape, whereby the resin in the gap and its peripheries are promptly set to reduce the leakage of the resin into the unnecessary gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Sakai, Susumu Shimada, Masaaki Kumamura, Masahiro Watabe, Kentaro Niwano
  • Publication number: 20020121718
    Abstract: An automobile interior component that includes a honeycomb structure is disclosed. A honeycomb defining structure is formed in one of the mold halves of a mold that is used to manufacture the automobile interior component. The honeycomb defining structure partially defining the article-defining cavity in the closed position of the mold. The honeycomb defining structure comprises a plurality of generally cylindrical recessed areas defined in a portion of said one of said first and second mold halves, and a post member that is disposed in each one of the recessed areas. The introduction of a moldable material into the article defining cavity during the molding process causes the moldable material to flow into the honeycomb defining structure and, therefore, integrally form a desired honeycomb structure as a portion of the automobile interior component during the molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Larry J. Winget, John F. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20020121719
    Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for liquid resin molding, using subsurface venting is described herein. The inserts can be placed virtually any where in the mold, and vacuum or injection can be introduced to suit the part geometry. The process is to draw the resin through the mold, thereby creating a uniform wetting effect of the fabric by the resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Richard L. Petrovich
  • Publication number: 20020119209
    Abstract: A vulcanizing mold for pneumatic tires includes a plurality of mold pieces for forming a tread portion of the tire, which can be assembled with each other in a circumferential direction of the tire. Each mold piece has a molding surface for forming a tread pattern of the tire tread portion, and end surfaces where adjacent mold pieces are in abutment with each other when they are assembled. The end surface of the mold piece includes an edge region adjacent to the molding surface and extending in a width direction of the tread portion. The mold piece has a vent passage communicating with atmosphere, formned of a narrow gap along the edge region over substantially entire width of the tread portion, and additional vent passage in the molding surface, formed of fine unevenness communicating with the narrow gap, and/or fine apertures at a region corresponding to a land in the tread portion and isolated from the narrow gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20020100860
    Abstract: A mold vent and method. The vent has expanding passages. A preferred vent comprises an insert that has a plurality of passages. One insert comprises a grate formed of a plurality of portions that interleave fingers forming vent passages therebetween that preferably are vent slots. Supports can be disposed between fingers. The grate preferably is discharge-machined from a blank cut from stock made material that preferably is non-porous and smooth. The grate can be mounted in a pocket in the mold cavity or carried by a movable pin. The grate can be used in a system that includes valving, a source of fluid, and, if needed, a source of vacuum to help facilitate venting by drawing atmosphere out of the cavity during molding. The grate can also be used to introduce fluid into the mold that can be foaming moldable material or a heat transfer medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Klaus A. Wieder
  • Patent number: 6425433
    Abstract: An apparatus to inject molten material into and evacuate gasses from a mold cavity, including a pair of ganged pistons in communication with the mold cavity. An injection piston injects molten material into the cavity from the bottom, and a vacuum piston pulls a vacuum in the cavity from the top through a vacuum line. A filter in the vacuum line catches any material that escapes from the mold cavity. A vacuum regulator may selectively regulate the vacuum in the vacuum line. During the injection sequence's first phase, a vacuum is created at a rate proportional to the rate of injection. Part-way through the piston stroke, a second phase is entered and causes a vacuum break valve to open and control the amount of vacuum. The injection sequence has a step function velocity, with the second phase being at a much higher velocity than the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: John W. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6422732
    Abstract: The device for extracting undesired substances, such as volatile components of low molecular weight, free gases, liquids and the like, from the cylinder of an extruder, in particular for thermoplastic materials, includes a casing defining internally an oblong cavity communicating at one end with the internal cavity of the extruder; at least one screw mounted for rotation in the oblong cavity, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof; and vacuum means for creating a depression in the oblong cavity. The longitudinal axis of the oblong cavity forms an angle of between 0° and −45° with a horizontal plane passing through the axis of the cylinder of the extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: F. LLI Maris S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Maris
  • Patent number: 6422850
    Abstract: An improved vent pin for a golf ball injection mold is characterized by a non-circular configuration so that a non-circular dimple can be formed at one or both poles of the golf ball. The vent pin is coaxially arranged within a passage in the injection mold which is aligned with a radius of the ball which passes through one of the poles thereof. The pin is operable between a normal position where the end of the pin closes the passage lower end and a retracted position where the pin end is withdrawn into the passage so that air from a cavity of the mold where the cover layer of the ball is formed can be vented during delivery of thermoplastic material to the cavity to form the golf ball cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Gary Tavares
  • Publication number: 20020094354
    Abstract: In a mold device for injection molding of synthetic resin having a cavity surface alternately heated and cooled and a bottoming structure for producing a product having a bored portion like a window, a bottoming portion for the production of a product having a bored portion is provided on a parting surface of the mold and a vacant space is provided in the bottoming portion. Thus, the contact area of the bottoming portion is reduced and a contact pressure of the bottoming portion and thermal strain due to a temperature difference between the cavity side mold and core side mold are reduced, so that it is possible to prevent occurrence of crack in a portion located immediately outside the window of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Naoyoshi Kimura, Fumio Takahashi, Masahiko Yamaki, Akihiko Imagawa, Mitsuharu Mikawa
  • Patent number: 6416304
    Abstract: An annular mold having a molding surface for forming a tread pattern of a tire is divided, at least in the peripheral direction, into plural pieces. The plural pieces are disposed adjacent to one another via adjacent surfaces, which are peripheral direction division surfaces, so as to form the annular mold. Substantially an entire molding-surface-side side edge portion of each adjacent surface of the piece is cut-out at a narrow width such that a gap for air venting is formed. Thus, at a low cost, a mold for molding a tire is provided in which there is no spewing, and air can always be reliably vented without a need for applying a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Tanaka, Hirofumi Esaki, Takehiro Kata
  • Patent number: 6416314
    Abstract: A mold plate assembly for a patty forming apparatus includes a mold plate having patty forming cavities and a breather plate arranged facing the mold plate. A fill slot is arranged facing the mold cavities, on a side opposite the breather plate, to fill food product into said mold cavity when the mold plate is in a filling position. The breather plate includes first breather holes at a remote position from the inlet slot to discharge air to ensure an even and uniform filling of the food product into the cavity, and second breather holes located close to the fill slot to relieve filling pressure at that location to avoid the formation of a ridge on the finished formed food patty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Formax, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald F. LaBruno