Including Handling Means Or Feature For Treating Liquid Or Vehicle Liquid, Or Condensate Patents (Class 425/86)
  • Patent number: 11780151
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of stretch-forming material are provided. In one example embodiment, a variable material stretch-forming apparatus comprises a stretch-forming assembly configured to stretch-form at least one section of a sheet of material to a longer length than at least one other section of the sheet of material before the sheet of material is applied to a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Vernon M. Benson, Peter G. Turner
  • Patent number: 11628598
    Abstract: Systems and methods for forming pellets from mixed plastic materials are disclosed. An example method may include a method for forming pellets from mixed plastic materials without needing to screen or filter the mixed plastic materials. The method may include disposing a mixed plastic material into an extrusion apparatus, advancing the mixed plastic material through a die to form strands, and cutting the strands into a plurality of pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Richard Sofia
  • Patent number: 11000877
    Abstract: An applicator for application onto and embossing microprofiling of a fluidic medium on a substrate, in particular in the aerospace sector, and a corresponding application device having such an applicator. The applicator has a circumferentially moving die that has an embossing profile, a press for the die and a stabilizing device, in particular a hardening device, for the applied medium. In addition, the applicator has a hollow support body, surrounded by the die at a distance forming a gap, the press being arranged in the gap. The application device has, in addition to the applicator, a handling device for a relative movement between the applicator and a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Sturm, Helmut Huber
  • Publication number: 20140203479
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for reusing surplus material generated by an Additive Manufacturing system in the process of manufacturing a 3-dimensional (3D) object. Surplus material removed from deposited layers and purged material used for printing head maintenance are transferred to back to the printing system to be deposited within subsequent layers. The reusable material may be deposited within the boundaries of a cross section of the 3-dimensional object to become part of 3D object or outside the boundaries of a cross section of the 3-dimensional object as part of the support construction, which is removed from the finished product. According to embodiments of the invention, a portion of the waste material for disposal may be deposited and cured layer by layer to form a waste block, concurrently with printing the layers of the 3D dimensional object. The fully cured waste block may be then disposed of in a safe manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Avraham Teken, Boris Belocon
  • Patent number: 8591217
    Abstract: In a belling machine and in a method of forming a socket at the heated end of a pipe, an end of a pipe made of thermoplastic material on which a socket is to be formed is heated until it is in a deformable state, inserted in a forming chamber and formed into a socket shape. Process air, taken from a compressed air source, is conveyed into an evaporator of a refrigerating machine using a refrigerant recirculating in a closed circuit and passes through the evaporator, resulting in transfer of heat from the process air to the refrigerant inside the evaporator. The process air is then conveyed to the forming chamber through an inlet, at least to cool the material of the end of the pipe at least by means of a process air flow inside the forming chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sica S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Tabanelli
  • Publication number: 20130285268
    Abstract: A system for debinding a green body in the form of an orthodontic appliance may include a pressure vessel configured to contain a supercritical fluid. A source of a fluid chemical may be coupled to the pressure vessel to supply the fluid chemical to the pressure vessel. A heat source may be configured to heat the fluid chemical. A pump may pressurize the fluid chemical to at least the supercritical pressure. A collection vessel is coupled to the pressure vessel to capture the binder removed from the green bodies as at least the pressure of the supercritical fluid is reduced. A method of manufacturing an orthodontic appliance includes exposing green bodies including particles and a binder to a supercritical fluid to remove at least some of the binder from the green bodies, and collecting the removed binder from the supercritical fluid as the supercritical fluid transitions to a non-supercritical fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Deric Marc Munoz, Philip Blair Corrin, Billy Chiman Yim, Siu-Kau Tam
  • Patent number: 8550799
    Abstract: At least one of first and second mold portions defines a mold cavity to receive molten plastic and form therefrom at least one molded part, and is movable relative to the other between (i) a closed position for sealing the mold cavity or cavities and molding at least one part therein, and (ii) an open position defining a fluid passageway between the mold portions and permitting the passage of a fluid sterilant therein. A fluid sterilant source is connectable in fluid communication with the fluid passageway for introducing the sterilant therein in the open position, contacting with the sterilant the surfaces of the first and second mold portions forming the fluid passageway and located adjacent to the at least one mold cavity, but not contacting an interior surface of a molded part within the mold cavity, to sterilize the exposed mold surfaces and thereby prevent contamination of the molded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Benoit Adamo, John Guthy, Nathaniel Houle, Giovanni Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20130241113
    Abstract: An additive fabrication apparatus is provided comprising a movable foil guiding stage (180) having a contact face (181) and comprising on opposite sides of the contact face a pair of upper and lower foil guiding elements (190, 191), the lower foil guiding element (190) defining a foil height position (H0) distanced from the contact face (181), for guiding a foil (6) including a liquid layer (30) to or from the contact face to contact a tangible object (50) by movement of the foil guiding stage along the tangible object while keeping the foil stationary relative to the object (50). An energy source (90) is arranged for at least partially solidifying at least part of an intersection pattern in the liquid layer arranged on the foil and in contact with the tangible object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Leon Ferdinand Gerard Geers, Gerben Pieterse, Krista Polle
  • Patent number: 8435357
    Abstract: A tablet compressing machine and a process for cleaning a tablet compressing machine with a rotor unit, in which an actuator is provided for the purpose of tilting a sealed housing of the tablet compressing machine, in which the rotor unit, a rinsing unit and the powder supply are disposed, so that the cleaning liquid may drain off horizontal surfaces in the sealed housing. The process therefore comprises the steps of distributing the cleaning liquid, tilting the tablet compressing machine and discharging the cleaning liquid. Retrofitting of existing tablet compressing machines is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: BWI PLC
    Inventor: Douglas Stopforth
  • Patent number: 8333916
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming desired patterns on ceramic tile from a slurry comprising: a means for preparing a slurry; at least one slurry holding tank for holding at least one type of slurry; at least one pattern forming tray; at least one means for connecting said at least one tank to at least one pattern forming tray and a filter pressing unit; wherein the pattern forming unit dispenses a predetermined type, amount, colors of slurry at a predetermined order into the pattern forming tray to form a desired pattern, said slurry with desired pattern is pressed with the filter pressing unit to form ceramic tiles or slabs with a desired pattern running though its entire thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: SCG Building Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Terdwong Jamrussamee, Arag Himtong, Wittaya Chuajiw, Watthanakun Phabutta
  • Publication number: 20120256341
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for granulating plastic having a high softening temperature, in particular of above 120° C., using a perforated plate for producing strands of molten plastic and a subsequent process chamber containing a process fluid and including a chopping device, from which a mixture of process fluid and granulate is then discharged into a cooling section for cooling said granulate. The process chamber is filled with a process fluid, in particular water, at a temperature of more than 120° C. and at a pressure of over 2 bar, and the mixture of process fluid and granulate, whose pressure will be maintained as it passes through the cooling section, will then be supplied to a separator in which the granulate, which has first been directed through a pressure lock for bringing it down to ambient pressure, will then be separated from the process fluid and discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: AUTOMATIK PLASTICS MACHINERY GMBH
    Inventor: Frank Gloeckner
  • Publication number: 20120043687
    Abstract: The present invention relates to water and solvent-free polymers, in particular water and solvent-free synthetic rubber products like non-halogenated and halogenated butyl rubber products as well as a process for the production thereof. The invention further relates to a device suitable to accomplish said process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: LANXESS INTERNATIONAL SA
    Inventors: Jörg Kirchhoff, Werner Bäcker, Rolf Feller, Paul Wagner, John Lovegrove, Hanns-Ingolf Paul
  • Publication number: 20110236515
    Abstract: A splash pan of a pottery wheel arranged to cover bottom and side areas of a turntable, includes a plurality of split dish members split in a circumferential direction and provided with a clay-storing concave portion, the split dish members being separably connectable to each other through substantially horizontal movement thereof. The split dish members are two in number and include a first split dish member having boss portions formed on an outer surface thereof and a second split dish member having engagement portions engageable with the boss portions. The engagement portions are formed on an outer surface of the second split dish member in radial positions corresponding to the boss portions and opened toward the boss portions. The engagement portions of the second split dish member are elastically deformable when engaging with the boss portions of the first split dish member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: NIDEC-SHIMPO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Motoki KURIKI
  • Patent number: 7985058
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making substantially uniformly sized liposomes and other small particles are provided. Droplets of a first liquid are ejected into a laminar flow of a second liquid, each droplet having a volume of from 0.97V to 1.03V, where V is the mean droplet volume and 1 fL?V?50 nL, wherein the first and second liquids are no more than sparingly soluble in one another, and wherein the first liquid contains a solute dissolved, dispersed, or suspended therein; and the first liquid is then removed to form a plurality of substantially uniformly sized particles. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes liquid inlet and outlet channels, a plurality of transverse liquid channels extending from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet channel, a plurality of nozzles in liquid flow communication with the plurality of transverse liquid channels, one or more nozzle actuators coupled to the plurality of nozzles, and an evaporator coupled to the liquid outlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Gray
  • Publication number: 20100326327
    Abstract: Described herein is a cementitious article and a method of making using a water-based manufacturing system that incorporates a closed-loop or partially closed loop water recycling system and an alkali removal process. The system, as such is environmentally friendly, saves resources, such as water and other raw materials, and reduces waste disposal. The system further provides for a cementitious article having a low alkali content. Articles prepared by one or more processes described herein have characteristics that include a low apparent density, high strength and high freeze-thaw performance as compared with an article of the same general formulation but made from a comparative manufacturing system that does not include an alkali removal process. Articles described herein are suitable for use as building products, such as siding, the underlayment panel, board, trim, fascia, roofing, decking, and fence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: James Hardie Technology Limited
    Inventors: Huagang Zhang, Lijun Mao, Paul Owen Kramer, Caidian Luo, Ryan Matthew Sullivan, John Andrew Joecken, Marko Suput
  • Publication number: 20100278951
    Abstract: This manifold comprises a stack formed by at least a plurality of tubular modules and a first support, and at least one tie for compressing the stack in a configuration in which central internal volumes of the various modules are in mutual communication, with adjacent parts of the stack overlapping in leaktight manner, and in which the relative position of two adjacent modules is stationary. The tie may be fastened in rotation about its longitudinal axis and in translation parallel to said axis, relative to the first support. The tie is equipped with a clamping nut that, in the tightened position, exerts a compression force on the stack of modules and on the first support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: STAUBLI FAVERGES
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe TIBERGHIEN, Christophe DURIEUX, Stéphane EMEYRIAT
  • Publication number: 20100193988
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vented extruder (1) for the devolatilization of a polymer material, encompassing at least one extruder barrel (2) with at least one rotatably driven extruder screw (3) mounted in the extruder barrel (2), and with at least one material feed and with at least one extrudate outlet, and also with at least one vent zone (9). A particular feature of the vented extruder (1) is that the gas output for the gas arising in the vent zone (9) has been provided upstream of the material feed, in relation to the direction of conveying of the polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: EVONIK ROEHM GMBH
    Inventors: Ruediger Carloff, Joachim Heid, Heinz Vetter
  • Publication number: 20090304835
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing superabsorbent polymer particles for use in agricultural applications are disclosed. A monomer is graft polymerized onto a starch to form a starch graft copolymer. The moisture content of the starch graft copolymer is reduced through the use of an extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ABSORBENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Milan H. Savich, Rodney L. Forni, William Chambers
  • Publication number: 20090291157
    Abstract: A granulator device (1) for the treatment of powdered material, in particular pharmaceutical powdered material, comprises a substantially cylindrical container (2), in which there is a chamber (4) for treatment of the powdered material using a fluid flow fed into the chamber (4); filtering means (5) for filtering the inside of the chamber (4), the filtering means (5) being located in the chamber (4) and comprising at least one filter (5) with a cylindrical metal mesh filtering wall (6); and means (P) for cleaning the filtering means (5) which can be activated during maintenance operations, the cleaning means comprising at least one element (7) rotating about each filter (5) and supporting diffuser means (8) designed to diffuse a service fluid on the cylindrical wall (6) in order to eliminate any impurities trapped in the filter (5) wall (6); the cleaning means (P) also comprise means (9) for temporarily opening at least one portion (10) of the filter (5) to allow the service fluid to flow out of the filter (5
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Salvatore Fabrizio Consoli, Andrea Nora, Roberto Trebbi
  • Publication number: 20090200712
    Abstract: A method for pretreating an unfired honeycomb formed article of a raw material composition containing a ceramic raw material, water, and a binder and having a plurality of cells separated by partition walls and functioning as fluid passages before firing. The method has a first step of passing superheated steam having a temperature of 100 to 150° C. through the cells to raise temperature of the honeycomb formed article and then maintaining the temperature of the superheated steam at the temperature of the superheated steam passed through the cells or more and 200° C. or less. The method can provide a pretreatment to a honeycomb formed article in a shorter time with inhibiting generation of a defect such as a deformation or a damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinzou HAYASHI, Takayuki SAKURAI
  • Publication number: 20090140454
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for continuous plate formation using belts, in which a polymerizable raw material is fed to one end of a space surrounded by opposed surfaces of two endless belts 1 and 1? facing each other and by gaskets 7 disposed at side edges of these belt surfaces so as to be sandwiched between the surfaces, the polymerizable raw material is polymerized in a section where the belts are heated or cooled with warm water, and a plate-form polymer is taken out of the other end of the space, which contains three or more recovery vessels 13 for recovering the warm water used to heat or cool the belts, and temperature sensing elements (thermometers 14) for measuring the temperature of the warm water recovered in every recovery vessel 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI RAYON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomonari Murakami, Hirotoshi Mizota, Hajime Okutsu
  • Patent number: 7514145
    Abstract: A method for producing resin particles using a dispersion liquid in which a dispersoid mainly made of a resin material is finely dispersed in a dispersion medium, the method comprising a dispersion liquid ejecting step for ejecting the dispersion liquid in the form of droplets and a dispersion medium removing step for removing the dispersion medium from the dispersion liquid in the form of droplets, wherein a granulation prevention agent for preventing or suppressing fine particles derived from the dispersoid from being agglomerated and then granulated is applied to the dispersion liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Akioka, Toshiaki Yamagami, Hiroshi Kaiho, Ken Ikuma
  • Publication number: 20090020906
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extruder system for extruding a fluid with at least one supply device, at least one mixer device and at least one extrusion die. In accordance with the invention at least one device for producing a fluid flow (transport fluid) that completely or partially surrounds the material to be extruded that essentially runs parallel to the outlet direction of the material to be extruded is provided, and whereby the fluid is discharged from the extruder system by suction and/or pressure of the transport fluid flow by means of an expulsion gas. The extruder system allows even product discharge for products well into the nanometre range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: MMR MARKETING & MANAGEMENT AG ROTKREUZ
    Inventor: Frank Neumann
  • Patent number: 7094045
    Abstract: A microencapsulation apparatus is provided which is configured to form co-axial multi-lamellar microcapsules from materials discharged from first and second microsphere dispensers of the apparatus. A method of fabricating and processing microcapsules is also provided which includes forming distinct droplets comprising one or more materials and introducing the droplets directly into a solution bath to form a membrane around the droplets such that a plurality of microcapsules are formed. A microencapsulation system is provided which includes a microcapsule production unit, a fluidized passage for washing and harvesting microcapsules dispensed from the microcapsule production unit and a flow sensor for sizing and counting the microcapsules. In some embodiments, the microencapsulation system may further include a controller configured to simultaneously operate the microcapsule production unit, fluidized passage and flow sensor to process the microcapsules in a continuous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Dennis R. Morrison
  • Patent number: 6802195
    Abstract: An isostatic press and the process of using same is disclosed and claimed. The isostatic press includes a yoke; a bottom cover affixed to the yoke; a top cover affixed to the yoke; and, a body moveable between a first position and a second position. A process for isostatically pressing a workpiece in the isostatic press is also disclosed and claimed. The process includes the steps of: placing the workpiece on the bottom cover; moving the body from the first position to the second position; pressurizing the chamber; depressurizing the chamber; removing the workpiece; and, moving the chamber from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Snap-tite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Quint
  • Patent number: 6761548
    Abstract: The invention relates to the equipment for high-pressure, high-temperature treatment of materials in liquid and enables to broaden the technological capabilities of an isostatic press. The isostatic press for treatment of materials in liquid comprises a multi-cylinder pressure vessel forming a hermetically sealed working chamber connected to a gas source. The open-top container for liquid is placed in the working chamber in such a way that a gap is created between the inner wall of the pressure vessel and the outer wall of the container. The container with the liquid and the treated material is placed on an electrically insulated heater which, in its turn, is mounted on a protective magnetic block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Autoclave, High Pressure & Temperature Limited
    Inventor: Vladimir Isakovich Snop
  • Publication number: 20030134005
    Abstract: The element has at least one porous permeable impression surface, on which the clay slip is deposited. A drainage system for the slip fluid is provided having a relatively thin, empty or porous chamber in the form of a slab which is incorporated into the body of the mould element itself, is disposed within the range of drainage action of the impression surface, and has a degree of porosity greater than the front part of the body delimited between said thin chamber and the impression surface, evacuation means connected to said thin chamber being provided to evacuate the drained fluid collected by the chamber. In particular, said thin chamber is disposed substantially parallel to the impression surface at a relatively short distance therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Vasco Mazzanti, Paolo Figliano
  • Publication number: 20030085490
    Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for the production of tubes from concrete mix, whereby the concrete mix is filled into a shaping device, for the purpose of shaping, where it is condensed with a tool. The invention should enable an effective and fast production of concrete tubes with high quality regarding the uniformity of the material characteristics. In such a procedure the concrete mix is condensed in an interspace between two parts of a tool that rotate relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Institut fur Fertigteiltechnik und Fertigbau Weimar e.V.
    Inventors: Helmut Kuch, Jorg-Henry Schwabe, Jurgen Martin, Torsten Benzin
  • Publication number: 20020195736
    Abstract: A steam chest can be used with both a vertical press and a horizontal press to manufacture foam prototypes in molding plates. The steam chest has a frame that can accept tooling that has been manufactured on a horizontal press or a vertical press. The same steam chest can be used to produce foam prototypes of various shapes and sizes within a particular size range. When the steam chest is used in a vertical press, the drainage hole that extends downward is in an edge wall. When the steam chest is used in a horizontal press, the drainage hole that extends downward is in a side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: William R. Potter
  • Publication number: 20020182281
    Abstract: A mold cooling device comprises an air feeding and discharging circuit 22 which effects the driving by air of a pump section 1 for feeding a cooling liquid to a fluid flow passageway 65a formed in a mold 64 and the feeding of air to the fluid flow passageway 65a. Letting (Dx) be the outer diameter-corresponding dimension of the holed convex portion 53x of a cast article 64x, (D1) be the outer diameter of the pin section 65 of the mold 64, (t1) be the outer peripheral thickness of the pin section 65, and (T1) be −5.103+(0.621×Dx)−(1.068×D1)+(3.61×t1), the time (T) for feeding cooling liquid to the fluid flow passageway 65a after completion of the pouring of molten metal into the mold 64 is set so that the relation T1−0.5 seconds≦T≦T1+0.5 seconds is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Masayuki Minemoto
  • Patent number: 6454553
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for producing moldings from expandable plastic particles, it being favorable for already pre-expanded plastic particles to be used. The invention is intended to propose possible ways of reducing the energy and water consumption. According to the invention, for this purpose the inside walling of a steam chamber is provided with a thermal insulation or a corresponding heat-insulating material is used as the chamber walling and, furthermore, ultrafine spraying heads are arranged on the rear-wall plates for cooling the mold and molding. The ultrafine spraying heads may also be led into the steam chamber through steam-chamber frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Schaumaplast Sachsen GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Zobel
  • Patent number: 6390796
    Abstract: A system and a method are described for cooling a mold, particularly for expanded polystyrene, by means of jets of water in a depressurized environment. Pumps are used to depressurize the environment and to remove therefrom the steam generated by the jets of water. The pumps are arranged to perform the depressurization by suction directly from a steam-condenser connected to the environment of the mold and having means for cyclically discharging the water condensed in the condensation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Fata Aluminum division of Fata Group S.p.A.
    Inventors: Bartolomeo Tosco, Giacomo Rovera
  • Patent number: 6375447
    Abstract: An apparatus for pelletizing a feed material containing finely divided solids and water by compressing the feed material in the die cavities of a pellet mill and permitting excess water to escape from the material being compressed through at least one water escape opening in each die cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: CQ Inc.
    Inventors: Zaiman Zitron, James W. Parkinson, David J. Akers
  • Publication number: 20020038923
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process for manufacturing fiber-reinforced components (31) with at least one closed or undercut space (35). A two-part mould with a cavity is charged with reinforcing fibers and a shape-stable supporting core of wax that can be melted out of the cavity. The core is produced from a cast preform by means of at least one shape-forming step. A plastic matrix capable of flowing is injected into the cavity of the closed mould forming a shaped fiber-composite mass and hardened to give the fiber-reinforced component (31). The shape-stable fiber-reinforced component (31) is removed from the mould and subjected to tempering. During tempering the core is melted and drained off from the fiber-reinforced component—leaving behind a closed or undercut space (35)—and the molten core material is cast to provide a new preform (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventor: Otto Lenherr
  • Patent number: 6355191
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing single layer tiles or slabs from a mixture of a granulated stone material having a selected particle size, and from a slurry formed by cement, a quantity of between 0.25 and 0.36 parts by weight of water relative to the weight of cement, and a plasticizer for cementitious slurries, in which the quantity of slurry added is slightly in excess of the quantity corresponding to the void fraction of the granulated material, in forming mould, containing a layer of predetermined thickness of the mixture, to be subjected to a first very short deaeration step under the effect of a very high vacuum and to a subsequent vibration step under a lower vacuum, after which the mould goes on to seeing and hardness steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Marcello Toncelli
  • Publication number: 20010035594
    Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating hollow chamber sheet extruded lines out of thermoplastic resin includes a vacuum housing and a planar intake area at a first end of the vacuum housing. The planar intake area is configured to receive the extruded line. Support rollers within the vacuum housing are configured to support the extruded line. The extruded line exits the vacuum housing through a planar outlet area located at a second end of the vacuum housing opposite the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: MICHAEL MEIER-KAISER
  • Patent number: 6270330
    Abstract: A waste foamed polystyrene material reclaiming method includes the steps of waste material crushing, solvent mixing, filtering, secondary mixing, distilling, evaporated solvent condensing and recycling, reclaimed polystyrene material heating, reclaimed polystyrene material extruding, extruded mass of reclaimed polystyrene material cooling, and grain-cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventors: Shao-Szu Cheng, Tung-Han Liu
  • Patent number: 6174156
    Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method produces an integral three-dimensional object from a multiplicity of cross sectional portions of the object by selectively exposing successive layers of a liquid photoformable composition to actinic radiation. The apparatus includes a vessel for containing the composition so as to present a free surface, and a movable platform disposed within the vessel below the free surface. Part of the composition is transferred above the free surface by lowering and raising a dispenser at predetermined positions located away from the platform. A doctor blade contacts the composition transferred above the free surface, and then moves over the platform to form a substantially uniform layer of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: DSM N.V.
    Inventors: Brian Gregory Chapman, Christian Henning Clausen, Daniel James Mickish, Eustathios Vassiliou
  • Patent number: 6113780
    Abstract: Sludge accumulations can be quickly removed from a vat containing liquid resin, by a manual mechanism that includes a porous platform adapted to rest on the vat bottom wall. Lifter arms extend upwardly from the platform to mount lifter handles at the vat upper edges. The handles can be pulled upwardly to lift the porous platform out of the vat. Sludge is retained on the platform, while liquid resin drains into the vat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Edmund L. Buzanoski
  • Patent number: 6024553
    Abstract: A porous structure is provided between a forming member and an underlying support structure so as to facilitate the drainage of liquid through the porous member when a web is supported on the porous member and columnar streams of liquid are directed at the web to form apertures in the web. The porous structure can include a plurality of spaced-apart, wire-like elements, a metal screen, thermoplastic netting, mesh, webbing, and the like. An improved apertured web made with the improved process employing such a porous structure has little or no lining or marking and has relatively few, if any, poorly formed apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles James Shimalla
  • Patent number: 5922099
    Abstract: There are provided tube-shaped glass monolith fabricating apparatus and method using a sol-gel process. In the tube-shaped glass monolith fabricating method using a tube-shaped glass monolith fabricating apparatus which has an upper mold including cylindrical portions of different sizes, a lower mold including a first lower cylindrical portion inclined toward the center thereof by a predetermined degree and a second lower cylindrical portion having a vacuum releasing hole, a cylindrical central mold for forming a tube-shaped glass, and a rod-shaped rod, the lower mold, the central mold, and the rod are assembled and a sol is poured in the central mold. Then, an unmixable liquid is poured on the sol, and the upper mold is assembled to the central mold. The sol is gelled in the central mold, the upper mold is removed, a cap is opened to release vacuum, and the rod is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Sik Yoon, Young-Min Baik, Sun-Uk Kim, Myung-Chul Jun
  • Patent number: 5876835
    Abstract: Stressed-skin panels are provided having internal open-cell grids molded from material such as fibers, and methods and apparatus for the production thereof are disclosed. The invention utilizes a porous screen having a plurality of elastomeric pads spaced apart thereon. Fiber dispersed in fluid is introduced into the apparatus and over and around the pads. Pressure exerted thereon expels fluid through the screen and consolidates the fibers to form a panel. The pads are designed and constructed in a manner so as to consolidate the fiber mat located below the pads compressed by the pressure, so that the finished panel includes an integrally-molded flange. The height, shape and/or spacing of the pads in the present invention advantageously provide improved mold release and greater resistance to compression set after repeated use. The pads provide greater consistency and improved quality in the flange formation on the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Gridcore Systems International
    Inventors: Robert L. Noble, Timothy L. Newburn, Colin S. Jessop, Jonathan D. Masters
  • Patent number: 5633023
    Abstract: A slip supply system includes an annular slip supply pipe 24 with a primary pipe 24a, a shut-off valve 27 and a secondary pipe 24b connected in series. Each pouring pipe 28 which feeds slip to a casting machine 25 is connected at the upstream end thereof to the primary pipe 24a by way of an inlet side opening and closing valve 29. Each pouring pipe 28 is connected at the downstream end thereof to the secondary pipe 24b by way of an outlet side opening and closing valve 30. With the shut-off valve 27 being open and both opening and closing valves 29 and 30 being closed, slip is fed under pressure by a pressure feeding device 23b. The slip fed under pressure is passed through the annular slip supply pipe 24 and is returned to re-purifying facilities 23a, so that the interior of the annular slip supply pipe 24 is displaced by new slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuto Ihara, Hidemi Kotou, Suetomo Uchida, Taiichi Aso
  • Patent number: 5567446
    Abstract: A slip supply system for supplying slip to one or more casting molds includes a slip supply pipe 2 to which the base ends of pouring hoses 3 each having a pouring valve 4 are connected. The ends of the pouring hoses 3 are detachably connected to casting molds 1. A slip discharge pipe 20 having communicating holes 22 is laid in the vicinity of the slip supply pipe 2. The ends of the pouring hoses 3 are removed from the casting molds 1 and connected to the communicating ports 22 before supplying slip to the casting molds 1. Slip is fed in this condition, so that the solid matters attached to the interior of the slip supply pipe 2 and the interiors of the pouring hoses 3 are washed away to the slip discharge pipe 20. Thereafter, the ends of the pouring hoses 3 are connected to the casting molds 1 to feed slip to the casting molds 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Enomoto, Toshiya Abe, Hironobu Murakami, Shinichi Hiraki
  • Patent number: 5464335
    Abstract: A vacuum tank for a vacuum sizing apparatus is provided. The vacuum tank is especially suited to control with precision the size and cooling of small sized plastic extrudate. The vacuum tank has coolant tubes between the double walls of the tank so that the coolant is not directly exposed to the extrudate. A water make-up tube having very small holes in it is disposed below the surface of the water in the vacuum tank so that make-up water will enter the tank with a minimum of turbulence being created. Slots provided in a rotatable water over-flow tube permit the level of the water within the vacuum tank to be adjusted and the slots provide a non-turbulent exit of over-flow water from the vacuum tank. A pre-skin block is positioned within the vacuum tank and is designed to minimize turbulence of water at the pre-skinning position within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: The Conair Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Bessemer, Stanley J. Yeoman
  • Patent number: 5391069
    Abstract: A metal shavings and chips compactor for extruding oil from metal chips and shavings and compacting the metal into easily transportable pellets. A compactor cylinder contains a piston and has an opening through which an auger feeds metal chips and shavings. A gate closes an end of the cylinder. A first hydraulic drive drives the piston under low pressure to close the opening and apply a first compacting pressure on the metal to form a loosely compacted pellet in the cylinder. High pressure then operates the piston to form a compact metal pellet substantially void of interstices. A second hydraulic drive opens the gate; the piston is operated at low pressure to discharge the compact metal pellet from the chamber and oil is collected below the cylinder. The compacting pressures are achieved through mechanical advantages provided by the size of the piston to that of the first hydraulic drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Ervin J. Bendzick
  • Patent number: 5351931
    Abstract: A paper making apparatus is adapted to receive a mixture of liquid and paper fiber on a fiber retaining screen surface operable to drain excess water from the fiber and through the screen, during the formation of a discrete fiber web on the surface. The improvement herein comprises a basin which defines confines for normally retaining the liquids thereby received therein, and has a bottom with generally upwardly extending side walls including a generally horizontally extending ledge adapted to receive the screen in supported relation thereon. The ledge is generally surrounded by a screen positioning wall for locatingly positioning the screen in supported relation on the ledge in draining register above the confines of the basin. The screen positioning wall includes an at least one longitudinally extending opening therein adapted to provide generally open lateral access for grasping an adjacent screen edge in aid of the removal thereof from its supported relation on the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventors: Teresa Houben, Mary Houben, Trudy Van Dyk
  • Patent number: 5227079
    Abstract: A rigid rectangular cheese mold includes a bottom and four upright walls heatsealed to each other at their edges. The walls are provided with outwardly diverging drainage slits during injection molding of the walls. The drainage slits form rows extending in the longitudinal direction of the walls, the drainage slits of one row are staggered with respect to the slits of the other row. The outer side of the cheese mold may be reinforced by reinforcing strips or a reinforcing strip-like frame. The inner surface of the wall has whey discharge recesses formed in a net structure comprising first structure ribs and second structure ribs. The first ribs extending in the vertical direction of the wall are thicker than the second ribs extending in the horizontal direction. Additional channels on the inner side of wall may connect the whey discharge recesses. The net structure is also formed during injection moulding of the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Crellin B. V.
    Inventor: Hendrikus M. Tameris
  • Patent number: 5183668
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a pressurized slip casting apparatus which includes an upper mold carried vertically movably on a replacer which is made horizontally movably on a horizontal rail; and a lower mold for receiving the upper mold in alignment, when the upper mold descends, to cast a slip under pressure inbetween thereby to prepare a green body of a sanitation fixture or the like. Dehydrating assembly is carried vertically movably on the replacer. A spongy member is attached to the lower end of the dehydrating assembly for absorbing the water from the inside of the lower mold. A push plate is arranged at the side of the lower mold for pushing the spongy member to dehydrate the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Inax Corporation
    Inventors: Kazushige Murata, Takeshi Ito
  • Patent number: 5173307
    Abstract: This relates to a mold for rebonding polyurethane and like plastic foam to form selected shapes. A typical shape may be a back or a seat member for an article of furniture. The mold is improved in that the bottom mold member, which is particularly designed in accordance with the desired configuration of the shape, has been formed of epoxy which is readily moldable at a low cost. The mold is also improved by providing the base plate of the mold with a ramped floor which facilitates the drainage of condensate from a lower steam chamber. The configuration of the ramped floor allows for quick removal of the condensate and serves to reduce the volume in the steam chamber thereby minimizing pressure build-up in the steam chamber. This results in lower steam pressures being used during the curing process and for a shorter curing operation. The lower steam pressure also avoids leakage of steam and water from the epoxy mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Nestle