Abstract: The present invention relates to a molded pile (e.g., 17) that includes a unitary elongated body (52) and an elongated tube (142) residing longitudinally within the elongated body (52). The elongated body (52) includes first (151) and second (154) exterior elongated plates that are spaced apart and opposed to each other. The elongated body (52) also includes a plurality of internal ribs (157) interposed between and being continuous with the first (151) and second (154) exterior elongated plates. The internal ribs (157) together define a plurality of apertures (67) and an elongated passage (160) that extends the length of the elongated body (52). The elongated tube (142) resides within the elongated passage (160), and provides fluid communication between upper (145) and lower (148) ends of the elongated body. Passage of a high pressure fluid (e.g., water and/or air) through elongated tube 142 results in fluidization of a penetrable material (e.g.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 14, 2008
Date of Patent:
April 14, 2009
Assignee:
LRM Industries, LLC
Inventors:
Victor Wolynski, Dale E. Polk, Jr., Dean Higley
Abstract: A system and method for forming an article from thermoplastic material and fiber. The method includes heating thermoplastic material to form a molten thermoplastic material for blending with the fiber. The molten thermoplastic material is blended with the fibers to form a molten composite material having a concentration of fiber by weight. The molten composite material may then be extruded through dynamic dies to deliver discrete controlled material that is gravitated onto a lower portion of a mold. The lower portion of the mold may be moved in space and time while receiving the flow of composite material to deposit a predetermined quantity of molten composite material thereon conforming to mold cavities of the lower and an upper portion of the mold. The upper portion of the mold may be pressed against the predetermined quantity of molten composite material and closing on the lower portion of the mold to form the article.