Patents Assigned to Afros S.p.A.
  • Publication number: 20240116254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer for high pressure mixing head comprising a control cylinder flange, a head body flange, and a plurality of uprights adapted to interconnect the control cylinder flange and the head body flange. At least one of the plurality of uprights comprises at least one deformation detection sensor applied at at least one available deformation surface thereof and adapted to detect longitudinal deformations and/or transversal deformations of the at least one of the plurality of uprights. The present invention also relates to a related mixing and dosing head and to a related apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: Afros S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Volpato, Maurizio Corti, Fabio Fini
  • Patent number: 11794394
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure mixing, dosing and recirculation head for injection or casting reaction molding, said high-pressure mixing, dosing and recirculation head comprising a head body, a mixing chamber, obtained in the head body wherein a valve element or mixing valve slides and in fluid communication with a supply duct, and a self-cleaning element comprising a scraping portion, said self-cleaning element being structured to slide in said supply duct, as well as comprising an apparatus for controlling and commanding mixing, supply and recirculation comprising a plurality of sensors and transducers mounted on board of the head body and of the components parts of the head connected thereto to detect and transform representative physical quantities of at least one operational status of said high-pressure mixing, dosing and recirculation head into electrical signals and an electronic control and storing system adapted to synchronously control and scan said sensors and transducers and adapted to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Afros S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Volpato, Maurizio Corti
  • Patent number: 11285680
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for fine and controlled adjustment of an injection molding process and a related industrial process. The apparatus (1) has a sealed mold (2) supplied with fluid reactive resin via a supply inlet (8) and by means of a mixing and injection head (9) so as to impregnate with said resin fibers of composite material loaded inside a cavity (6) of the mold (2) and wherein at least one storage container (10) having an inlet/outlet opening (11) in fluid communication with an outlet (13) of said injection head (9) is provided so as to store a predefined quantity of fluid resin inside a storage chamber (16) prior to completion of the injection phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: AFROS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Volpato, Alberto Bonansea
  • Patent number: 11034812
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus (1) for the dispersion of an expansion gas even in supercritical conditions, e.g. carbon dioxide, in a reactive resin, of the kind in which a reaction chamber having an input (27) for gas and an input (37) for resin is provided. Advantageously, the chamber is a dispersion and containment chamber made into a casing (2) of predetermined high resistance susceptible to sustain high pressure and is divided into two sections (6,7) by a head (14) of a dispersion and mixing cylinder-piston group (4) in fluid communication between themselves by means of at least one pouring passage (31, 36, 32, 39) provided with a static mixer (38), motor means (3) being provided for piston (34) control of said mixing cylinder-piston group (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: AFROS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Volpato, Maurizio Corti
  • Patent number: 10040040
    Abstract: A method and high-pressure mixing device for co-injection of polymeric reactive components, in particular for polyurethane and epoxy mixtures. The polymeric components are supplied in a common pressure chamber where they flow at a same pressure and in an unmixed state into a forwardly converging fore portion of the pressure chamber, and through a settable co-injection orifice to be co-injected, in the unmixed state, into a mixing chamber transversely oriented to the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: AFROS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Volpato, Maurizio Corti
  • Patent number: 9731267
    Abstract: A high-pressure mixing apparatus for polymeric components suitable for providing a reactive mixture for a polymerizable resin, provided with a self-regenerating seal. An annular sealing element is housed in a circular seat inside a cross hole of a bush transversely extending to and in communication with the mixing chamber, in a sealing zone downstream the injection holes for the polymeric components, between the mixing chamber and the same delivery bush; worn and/or torn parts of the annular sealing element are automatically regenerated by the reactive mixture delivered during operation of the mixing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: AFROS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Fiorentini, Maurizio Corti
  • Patent number: 9308512
    Abstract: A method for forming a self-regenerating seal in a mixing chamber of a high-pressure mixing apparatus for polymeric components suitable for providing a reactive mixture for a polymerizable resin. An annular sealing element is provided in a circular housing seat inside the mixing chamber, in a sealing zone downstream the injection holes for the polymeric components; worn and/or torn parts of the annular sealing element are automatically regenerated by the same reactive mixture delivered during operation of the mixing apparatus. A high-pressure mixing apparatus with self-regenerating sealing element is also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: AFROS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Fiorentini, Maurizio Corti
  • Publication number: 20140234167
    Abstract: A method for forming a self-regenerating seal in a mixing chamber of a high-pressure mixing apparatus for polymeric components suitable for providing a reactive mixture for a polymerisable resin. An annular sealing element is provided in a circular housing seat inside the mixing chamber, in a sealing zone downstream the injection holes for the polymeric components; worn and/or torn parts of the annular sealing element are automatically regenerated by the same reactive mixture delivered during operation of the mixing apparatus. A high-pressure mixing apparatus with self-regenerating sealing element is also claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: AFROS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Fiorentini, Maurizio Corti
  • Patent number: 8709313
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding a polyurethane mixture suitable to form a thermally insulating layer inside hollow bodies, such as hollow walls of a refrigerator cabinet, freezer, display counter or insulating panel. A polyurethane mixture resulting from chemically reactive components, supplied by a high-pressure mixing device, is injected into a cavity of a hollow body extending in a horizontal plain. The mixture is injected at a first flow-rate and a first injection speed, to be poured into a first deposition zone farthest from the injection point. Subsequently, the flow-rate and the injection speed of the polyurethane mixture are gradually reduced in a controlled manner, to be poured in successive deposition zones towards the injection point of the polyurethane mixture, along a distribution strip, allowing the injected mixture to spread out throughout the cavity of the hollow body along isometric expansion lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Afros S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Fiorentini, Maurizio Corti
  • Patent number: 8480290
    Abstract: A high-pressure mixing apparatus for producing and discharging a composite material resulting from a reactive mixture of at least a first and a second chemical components and from a filler material. The apparatus includes a main body, provided with a discharge duct for the composite material, at least one high-pressure mixing chamber for the chemical components and a first cleaning member axially displaceable between a forward and a rearward position within the discharge duct. The apparatus also comprises a second cleaning member with a control device selectively actuable to sequentially move the first and the second cleaning member between the rearward position, in which the first cleaning member opens the discharge duct, and the forward position in which the facing annular surfaces of the discharge duct and the second cleaning member are mutually abutting to eject the residual reactive mixture and close the exit port of the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Afros S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Fiorentini, Maurizio Corti
  • Publication number: 20120300574
    Abstract: A high-pressure mixing apparatus suitable for producing a composite material from a reactive mixture of at least a first and a second chemical components and from a filler material, including a main body conformed with a discharge duct for the composite material, a high-pressure mixing chamber for the chemical components, and a first cleaning member axially displaceable between a forward position and a rearward position within the discharge duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: AFROS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Fiorentini, Maurizio Corti
  • Publication number: 20110221085
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding a polyurethane mixture suitable to form a thermally insulating layer inside hollow bodies, such as hollow walls of a refrigerator cabinet, freezer, display counter or insulating panel. A polyurethane mixture resulting from chemically reactive components, supplied by a high-pressure mixing device, is injected into a cavity of a hollow body extending in a horizontal plain. The mixture is injected at a first flow-rate and a first injection speed, to be poured into a first deposition zone farthest from the injection point. Subsequently, the flow-rate and the injection speed of the polyurethane mixture are gradually reduced in a controlled manner, to be poured in successive deposition zones towards the injection point of the polyurethane mixture, along a distribution strip, allowing the injected mixture to spread out throughout the cavity of the hollow body along isometric expansion lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: AFROS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Carlo FIORENTINI, Maurizio CORTI
  • Publication number: 20100137508
    Abstract: A method and device for high-pressure mixing of polyurethane components, in which one of the polyurethane components is pre-mixed with a filler material and/or with an additive. The device comprises a mixing chamber into which first and second polyurethane components are radially injected, and a slide valve which moves between a fore or closure position and a rear or opening position of the mixing chamber. The slide valve at its fore end is provided with a feeding chamber for a third polyurethane component pre-mixed with the filler material and/or additive, and an outlet hole; a cleaning pin for the outlet hole slides into a longitudinal guide hole of the slide valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: AFROS S.P.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio CORTI
  • Patent number: 7614780
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for high-pressure mixing of reactive chemical components. The chemical components are fed into a mixing chamber, by respective injectors at least one of which comprises a nozzle and a plug member for controlling the pressure drop; the nozzle and/or the plug member are shaped to form a lobed outlet orifice having an adjustable outlet cross section and a plurality of radially extending lobed formations, to create a vortical or swirling and highly turbulent state in the fluid jet. The surfaces in contact with the fluid of the nozzle and/or of the plug member can either be smooth or have sharp edges which contribute to increase the turbulence and swirling state of the fluid jet; a highly effective mixing degree is thereby achieved in the manufacture of polyurethane resins, bi-component resins and molded articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Afros S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Corti
  • Patent number: 7553066
    Abstract: The high-pressure mixing apparatus, for reactive chemical components, comprises a device for self-lubricating and scraping the outlet duct of the chemical mixture, and flushing out the scraped residues. The self-lubricating and scraping device comprises a delivery chamber for the lubricant material axially aligned and in fluid communication with the outlet duct; the lubricant delivery chamber is connected to a storage tank by a feeding and re-circulation circuit. The lubricant is sucked into the outlet duct and subsequently returned into the delivery chamber by a cleaning member in the form of a pumping piston sliding into the outlet duct, the pumping piston being provided with scraping rings for removing the reacted mixture adhered to the inner surface of the outlet duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Afros S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Fiorentini, Maurizio Corti
  • Patent number: 7455446
    Abstract: A method and device (10) for mixing polyurethane-forming liquid chemical components for the production of polyurethane foams, in which positive use is made of the turbulency and swirling action caused by the injection of pressurized jets of chemical components, in order to provide a methodology tending to improve the mixing processes by impingement and by the turbulency induced by a pressure drop in conventional self-cleaning apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Afros S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Corti, Piero Corradi, Carlo Fiorentini
  • Publication number: 20080128209
    Abstract: The high-pressure mixing apparatus, for reactive chemical components, comprises a device for self-lubricating and scraping the outlet duct of the chemical mixture, and flushing out the scraped residues. The self-lubricating and scraping device comprises a delivery chamber for the lubricant material axially aligned and in fluid communication with the outlet duct; the lubricant delivery chamber is connected to a storage tank by a feeding and re-circulation circuit. The lubricant is sucked into the outlet duct and subsequently returned into the delivery chamber by a cleaning member in the form of a pumping piston sliding into the outlet duct, the pumping piston being provided with scraping rings for removing the reacted mixture adhered to the inner surface of the outlet duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: AFROS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Carlo FIORENTINI, Maurizio CORTI
  • Publication number: 20080094936
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for high-pressure mixing of reactive chemical components. The chemical components are fed into a mixing chamber, by respective injectors at least one of which comprises a nozzle and a plug member for controlling the pressure drop; the nozzle and/or the plug member are shaped to form a lobed outlet orifice having an adjustable outlet cross section and a plurality of radially extending lobed formations, to create a vortical or swirling and highly turbulent state in the fluid jet. The surfaces in contact with the fluid of the nozzle and/or of the plug member can either be smooth or have sharp edges which contribute to increase the turbulence and swirling state of the fluid jet; a highly effective mixing degree is thereby achieved in the manufacture of polyurethane resins, bi-component resins and molded articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: AFROS S.P.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio CORTI
  • Publication number: 20040151063
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a high-pressure mixing headdevice and a manually operable valve assembly to stop the circulation of chemical components which are fed into a mixing chamber by injection nozzles, or are made to re-circulate, and to stop the pressurized oil fed to a hydraulic cylinder for controlling a cleaning member reciprocable in the mixing chamber. The mixing device is operatively and mechanically connected to the valve assembly, to enable its quick removal and replacement by closing the valves without disconnecting pipings from the valve unit, and without causing leakage of the chemical components and the oil, ensuring an extremely easy handling of the entire mixing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: AFROS S. P. A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Corti
  • Patent number: 6502978
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the production of a polyurethane mixture is described. The apparatus comprises a high-pressure mixing device provided with a mixing chamber opening onto a side of a discharge duct. An elongated cleaning member is reciprocable inside the duct and is provided with a longitudinal channel for feeding a fluidized reinforcing material, for example reinforcing fibers or a reinforcing material in powder or granulate form, to be blended with the polyurethane mixture flowing into the discharge duct. The feeding channel for the reinforcing material terminates at the front end of the cleaning member, at a point where the flow of reinforcing material impinges the polyurethane mixture which emerges from the mixing chamber under high turbulence conditions. Blowing nozzles are provided to generate air jets for repeatedly deviating the flow of blended polyurethane mixture and reinforcing material flowing out from the discharge duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Afros S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Bonansea, Carlo Fiorentini