Patents Examined by Jan H. Silbaugh
  • Patent number: 6521156
    Abstract: A tube take-up apparatus is provided to handle a length of freshly extruded tube. The apparatus includes an elongated housing in which a pair of parallel, spaced-apart rollers extend lengthwise in a position just below the extruded tubing. The housing is removably mounted on an elongated supporting fin which is secured to the extruder at its near end, extends upwardly between the two rollers and substantially along the entire length of the housing, and is, in turn, supported on a fixed pedestal at its remote end. After the full length of tubing has been extruded, the housing and rollers as a unit are lifted with the tube from the supporting fin and replaced by an empty housing, to extrude the next tube, while the full housing is carried away to a dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fitel USA Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Linn Bream, George John Shevchuk, Philip Habbauer, Thomas Edward Stockert, John Burnette MacChesney
  • Patent number: 6521168
    Abstract: A process for orienting and drawing multiple-layer thermoplastic materials, in particular of a tubular type, wherein a tube exiting from a heating tunnel is brought up to an orienting temperature of a first material having the highest orienting temperature, while the material of the remaining layers is still in a plastic state. The first material is subjected to a first partial drawing process, while the remaining layers plastically deform to follow its expansion. The temperature of the tube is dropped to the orienting temperature of a second layer and a second layer is drawn, while at the same time continuing to draw the previous layer. Steps of dropping the temperature and drawing the second layer are repeated for the subsequent layers, until the maximum allowable degree of drawing is achieved for each layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Tecno Coating Engineering S.r.l.
    Inventor: Claudio Gini
  • Patent number: 6520759
    Abstract: A foamed thermoplastic resin sheet manufacturing device is provided with (i) an extruder for melting and kneading a thermoplastic resin and a foaming agent to form a melted/kneaded mixture and extruding the melted/kneaded mixture, (ii) a die which is provided at a front end of said extruder and forms the melted/kneaded mixture into a sheet-like foamy thermoplastic resin material, (iii) a vacuum chamber in which the foamy thermoplastic resin material extruded through said die expands under a reduced pressure, and (iv) a facing-wall section composed of a pair of walls of said vacuum chamber which face each other in a thickness direction of the foamy thermoplastic resin material, at least one of the walls in pair being a movable wall provided so as to move in directions in which said walls approach and separate each other. By this arrangement, foamed thermoplastic resin sheets with various thicknesses can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takeo Kitayama, Kaori Tsubouchi, Shigeyoshi Matsubara, Tatsuhiro Nagamatsu
  • Patent number: 6517333
    Abstract: A mold for flat treads of tire casings which includes first and second molding parts respectively defining the outer surface and the inner surface of a tread, at least one of the molding parts being movable between two positions corresponding to opening and closing of the mold and in which one of the molding parts bears at least one elastically deformable element for molding a longitudinal edge of the tread surface and forming and maintaining a tight connection with the two molding parts between a closed position and a slightly-open position of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Pneu Laurent SNC
    Inventor: Robert Mas
  • Patent number: 6517753
    Abstract: A method and a device for continuous forming of a mat of particle lignocellulosic material by means of a batching unit (12) with a distribution chamber (15) in connection with the manufacture of board. The material is deposited on a continuous forming web (16), and the width of the mat is controlled by means of laterally movable partition walls (30) in the distribution chamber (15). The main part of the material is deposited on the forming web (16) between the partition walls (30), and the partial amount of the particle material dropping outside the partition walls (30) is diverted by means (32) and discharged separately in the distribution chamber (15) and re-used in the mat forming, in that it is directly placed as a surface layer of the mat by distribution means (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Valmet Fibertech AB
    Inventors: Lena Bäckman, Göran Lundgren, Leif H Andersson
  • Patent number: 6517762
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a polyester film excellent in rigidity, toughness, dimensional stability, electric properties, etc. and less in thickness fluctuation and surface defects, hence very suitable as a film for various industrial materials such as magnetic recording media, capacitors, heat transfer ribbons and thermal mimeographic stencil paper. The first method of the present invention is a method for producing a polyester film, in which a film made of a resin mainly composed of a polyester is simultaneously biaxially stretched by a simultaneously biaxially stretching tenter oven, comprising the step of effecting small-ratio stretching at an area stretching ratio of 1.0005 to 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Tsunekawa, Takuji Higashioji, Kenji Tsunashima
  • Patent number: 6517338
    Abstract: To produce a fuel-cell separator formed with a plurality of protuberances on its base plate, a lower die is assembled by stacking a plate in intimate contact with a lower-die base with a mirror-finished surface, the plate having a plurality of through holes extended therethrough and a uniform thickness. A side frame is stacked on the lower die to charge a molding material therein. Then, the material is heated and compressed with an upper die to mold an article with protuberances having a constant height and a constant flatness at their top surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Koga
  • Patent number: 6517336
    Abstract: The injection molding machine comprises a cylinder member; an injection member disposed within the cylinder member such that the injection member can advance and retract; an injection motor (82); and a transmission shaft which is connected to the injection member such that the transmission shaft can rotate relative to the injection member. The transmission shaft has a rotation transmission portion, to which rotation of the injection motor (82) is transmitted, as well as a motion conversion portion for converting rotational motion to linear motion. The injection motor (82) and the transmission shaft are disposed on the same axis, and the transmission shaft is advanced and retracted inside the rotor (92) of the injection motor (82). Since the transmission shaft is advanced and retracted inside the rotor (92) of the injection motor (82), the injection molding machine can be reduced in axial length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Emoto, Noritsugu Hiraga
  • Patent number: 6517935
    Abstract: A thin abrasion resistant decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier. The carrier preferably consists of a fiberboard or a particle board with a rectangular cross section and at least two opposite rounded-off edges. One or more floor strips with the same or different cross section is machined from the laminate clad carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventors: Sven Kornfält, Per Bengtsson, Hans Sjölin
  • Patent number: 6517335
    Abstract: An apparatus for dewatering a slurry of elastomeric polymer and water, using an extruder or extruders provided with a device for measuring an actual water content of the elastomer at a position within the extruder or extruders, and a control system for controlling the moisture content of elastomeric polymer exiting the extruder or extruders through an exit die based, at least in part, on the measured water content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Long, Richard C. Yeh, Bruce Charles Devoy
  • Patent number: 6514062
    Abstract: Two rows of nozzles 4a and 4b whose open ends are formed as orifices 2 of a die are respectively made to communicate with introducing slots 3 of orifice units 6, and jackets 7 for temperature regulation are each disposed between the orifice units 6. First nozzle portions 41a and 41b of a small diameter are provided in the nozzles 4a and 4b for the purpose of reducing a dead space where the orifices 2 cannot be disposed due to the jackets 7, and the jackets 7 are disposed at their depthwise position. The first nozzle portions 41a and 41b are disposed eccentrically in mutually opposite directions with respect to second nozzle portions 42a and 42b having the same diameter as the orifice 2, thereby making it possible to substantially reduce the dead space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Ishida
  • Patent number: 6514445
    Abstract: A process for forming a grooming implement is provided. The steps include providing a blank having a head and a handle, wherein the head has one or more void spaces which divide said head into at least two segments, and injecting an elastomer into the void space at a temperature of at least about 245° C. thereby fusing the elastomer to the segments and forming a resiliently flexible joint. The elastomer is the sole mechanical link between the segments such that the segments can flex relative to each other and the elastomer can be stretched to about 120% of its unstressed length without separation of the elastomer from the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Victor Cann, Kilian John O'Neill, Roland Stark
  • Patent number: 6513360
    Abstract: A resinous die for press-shaping a blank material into a desired configuration, which comprises a die member and a mating punch, both having respective shaping portions. Each shaping portion is formed of an epoxy resin layer provided at portions thereof where a relatively low surface pressure is applied, and a plurality of reinforcing pieces provided in an embedded fashion at portions thereof where a relatively high surface pressure is applied, for reinforcing the shaping portion. This arrangement imparts increased durability to the shaping portion and hence the die while keeping the cost of manufacture of the die to a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasushi Ito, Toshiyuki Usui
  • Patent number: 6511619
    Abstract: A multiaxis rotational molding apparatus includes a support portion, a molding portion and a control portion. The support portion includes an upstanding arcuate frame section. The molding portion includes an upstanding arcuate mold supporting assembly disposed within and spaced from the arcuate frame section. A mold assembly includes separable mold sections forming a substantially enclosed mold cavity carried within the mold supporting assembly. The control portion includes drive assemblies arranged in a preselected configuration adjacent the arcuate frame section selectively energized in coordination with adjacent drive assemblies for movement of the mold supporting assembly in a selected profile. Programmable memory stores preselected operating parameters. Monitors sense operating information form control components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: LeRoy Payne
  • Patent number: 6511623
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a filter element having a filter portion and a flange portion formed along an outer periphery of the filter portion to protrude outwardly. First, a corrugated intermediate product having plural ridges of the filter element is formed by folding. Next, the flange portion is formed integrally with the filter portion by pressing an outer peripheral portion of the intermediate product at a high temperature. While the flange portion is formed, each of sides of the intermediate product extending in parallel with the ridges is restricted to a position corresponding to a shape of the filter element by plural forming jigs. Therefore, sides of the flange portion extending in parallel with the ridges are formed simultaneously when the flange portion is formed and do not need to be trimmed after forming. As a result, a material of the filter element is less wasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Noriya Ueda, Ikuo Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6511626
    Abstract: A machine and a method to manufacture soap bars. The machine and method involve a die assembly (10) having a pair of die blocks (11, 12) which support co-operating dies (13, 14). Liquid nitrogen is delivered to the two dies (13, 14) via a throttling passage (18) to cool the soap material being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Central West Packaging & Storage Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Allan Bruce Hutcherson
  • Patent number: 6511388
    Abstract: A golf ball having a cover composed of a polyurethane formed from a p-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI) based polyurethane prepolymer is disclosed herein. The PPDI-based polyurethane prepolymer is formed from a PPDI and a polyol such as polycaprolactone. The PPDI-based polyurethane prepolymer is cured with a curative such as a 1,4 butane diol and glycol. The PPDI-based polyurethane cover may be either thermoset or thermoplastic. The PPDI-based polyurethane cover has a high flexural modulus at a lower hardness which gives a better feel yet maintains good distance, higher Bashore resilience, higher tensile strength, higher tear resistance, improved elongation, and better playability and control. These benefits and improvements are exhibited even though the cover of the present invention is thinner than those of conventional golf balls. The present invention also provides new golf balls having durable thin covers thereby enabling golf balls with large cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Pijush K. Dewanjee
  • Patent number: 6511309
    Abstract: A die and cutter assembly for an extruder for producing an extruded food piece containing a filling includes an elongated annular extrusion member with an extrusion wall formed on a first end thereof, a closed extrusion end formed adjacent said extrusion wall, and an opened feed end formed on a second, opposite end of said elongated annular extrusion member attachable in fluid communication with a manifold of the extruder. Furthermore, a filling tube extends into the elongated annular extrusion member and includes an extension formed on the elongated annular extrusion member substantially at a right angle thereto. A tube extension is formed on the filling tube substantially at a right angle thereto and located within the extension of the elongated annular extrusion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kerry, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas B. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6508297
    Abstract: Mounted on plate (9), associated to the machine's compacting and ejection piston is pattern plate (10), which incorporates stops (11) restored by springs (12), with an ejection plate (13) placed between said pattern plate (10) and plate (9), aided by guiding elements (14) and complemented by hold down plates (15) which correspond to the holes of the pattern plate. Inside compacting rammer (6) are mounted four ejectors (17) embodied as hydraulic cylinders which, by means of hold down plates (15) attached to ejection plate (13) compact the sand in the holes to then eject the mote. Therefore, the ejection plate has a compacting stroke (Y) prior to the ejection stroke (Z). The machine is thus particularly well suited for efficient moulding of motes having round or otherwise shaped deep holes, without requiring the use of cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Loramendi, S.A.
    Inventor: Agustin Arana Erana
  • Patent number: 6508642
    Abstract: A system for the producing of shells of fat-containing, chocolate-like masses, which includes more than one cavity to receive the masses and more than one core member to be immersed in the mass-containing cavity. The core members are independently suspended from a holding device. Further, a mold cavity closure extends peripherally around the core members, and the closure includes shell rim molding surfaces which cooperate with the outer surfaces of the cores and the inner surfaces of the mold cavities to determine completely the geometry of the molded shells in the closed position. The closure is axially movable relative to the core members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Aasted-Mikroverk APS
    Inventor: Lars Aasted