Patents Examined by Patrick Butler
  • Patent number: 10882226
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a component for a wind turbine is provided. In a first step, a fiber material is laid onto a mold surface. In a further step, an uncured foam material is provided on top of the fiber material. Thereafter, the uncured foam material is cured to form a core member. Then, a resin impregnating the fiber material is cured to form the component. Thus, a core member for a component of a wind turbine can be provided easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S
    Inventors: Karsten Schibsbye, Henrik Stiesdal
  • Patent number: 10800585
    Abstract: A metal cap in which a linear to be held to a cap body and separable from the cap body can be formed by a series of operations for forming the cap body and press molding the liner. The liner of the metal cap has a double-layer structure including a barrier layer on a top panel wall side and a sealing layer on the inner side of the cap body, and the barrier layer is temporarily bonded to the top panel wall with a weak adhesive at the time of molding the barrier layer and separated from the top panel wall by the natural cooling of the barrier layer after molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: NIPPON CLOSURES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kouichi Tsuchiya, Mitsuo Kumata, Yusuke Okubo
  • Patent number: 10766166
    Abstract: A method for producing a skin-covered molded article including filling polypropylene-based resin expanded beads in a hollow space of a thermoplastic resin skin and feeding steam into the hollow space to fusion-bond the expanded beads together, the expanded beads showing specific DSC characteristics involving a specific high temperature peak(s) with specific heat of fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: JSP CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoo Tokiwa
  • Patent number: 10668651
    Abstract: A method for molding a component. The method includes: providing a mold tool having a sprue and a cavity; heating the mold tool to a predetermined mold temperature; placing the heated mold tool into a pressure vessel; pouring a material through the sprue into the cavity of the heated mold tool; prior to complete polymerization of the material in the cavity of the heated mold tool, elevating an internal pressure of the pressure vessel to a predetermined pressure to apply a force to the material in the heated mold tool; completely polymerizing the material in the cavity in heated mold tool to form the molded component; and removing the molded component from the mold tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan T. Flavin, Bradley P. Van Dike, Mark W. Wynn, Daniel J. Welker
  • Patent number: 10600519
    Abstract: A method of constructing a nuclear reactor module includes providing formwork defining a chamber in which is mounted a nuclear reactor comprising a nuclear reactor pressure vessel configured to contain nuclear fuel when in use, the formwork being housed within a containment structure configured to contain an internal pressure generated by an escape of coolant from a reactor coolant circuit. The method further includes filling one or more voids within the formwork with concrete through at least one concrete supply pipe that extends from outside of the containment structure, through the containment structure, and to the formwork; and venting the one or more voids within the formwork through one or more vent pipes, thereby forming a concrete support structure for the nuclear reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Daniel Robertson
  • Patent number: 10493689
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method of prototyping a thermoplastic composite part. The method comprises fabricating one or more discardable freeform tooling elements via a rapid manufacturing process. The method further comprises forming thermoplastic composite materials into a thermoplastic composite prototype part using the one or more discardable freeform tooling elements. The method further comprises separating the thermoplastic composite prototype part from the one or more discardable freeform tooling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brett I. Lyons, Aaron W. Bartel, David Eric Gideon
  • Patent number: 10455894
    Abstract: A method of customizing the sole structure of an article of footwear includes providing a sole structure with a sole component having an inner surface and an opposite-facing outer surface. The sole component includes a plurality of inner recesses extending from the inner surface and a plurality of outer recesses extending from the outer surface, the plurality of inner recesses include a blind-hole inner recess, the plurality of outer recesses include a blind-hole outer recess, and the blind-hole inner recess is generally aligned with the blind hole outer recess along a vertical direction. The plurality of inner recesses and the plurality of outer recesses provide the sole component with an auxetic structure. The method further includes adjusting the flexibility of the sole component by selectively cutting or removing material from one or both of the blind-hole inner recess and the blind-hole outer recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Kevin W. Hoffer, David P. Jones, Patrick B. Kirschner, Elizabeth Langvin, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 10252443
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method and a mold for producing a concrete pipe comprising a basic body made of concrete and a plastic inner pipe for conducting a liquid. The method comprises introducing a mold core into the plastic inner pipe, introducing the plastic inner pipe into an outer mold and pouring concrete into an intermediate space between the outer mold and the plastic inner pipe to form the basic body. After the concrete has solidified, the plastic inner pipe remains as inner formwork in the basic body made of concrete and the mold core is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventor: Johann Schlüsselbauer
  • Patent number: 10145109
    Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 10105881
    Abstract: The process includes a die comprising a bottom die (10) and a male part (20) able to close the cavity in such a way as to define a closed forming chamber (F). The bottom die (10) has an upper mouth that delimits the cavity (15), having an open upper surface substantially open in an upwards direction and a lateral surface internal of the cavity of the bottom die and forming an angle with the upper surface. The male part (20) has a central portion (21) able to close the surface of the cavity (15) and a peripheral edge able to adhere to the upper surface of the upper mouth, such as to realize a closing of the forming chamber only by means of contact along the upper surface, the peripheral edge lacking a vertical surface able to slide snugly contactingly with the lateral surface of the upper mouth (11). The process comprises: inserting a batch of non-spongy/foam thermoplastic material having a greater density than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: C.G.M. S.P.A.
    Inventor: Corrado Saverio Parmigiani
  • Patent number: 10081130
    Abstract: Devices, systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed that facilitate part layer curing by an additive manufacturing device wherein each element of the part layer is exposed to light from a light source until the element receives sufficient energy to cure. In an aspect, received energy is calculated based on both the light received directly from the light source and light received from surrounding elements due to dispersion and other effects. The present disclosure enables consistent curing across a part layer, facilitate the creation of sharp outer structures, and allow fragile structures to be built alongside larger structures without a loss of quality, clarity, or resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: B9CREATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Joyce
  • Patent number: 9981412
    Abstract: A tubular lower mold partitioning wall is erected on a lower mold, and a three-dimensional mesh-like body is disposed with a part of a side face exposed with respect to the lower mold partitioning wall. When a pad main body is molded by foaming a liquid raw material, the mesh-like body is penetrated through the pad main body in a thickness direction. Since the mesh-like body is disposed with a part of the side face exposed with respect to the lower mold partitioning wall, the liquid raw material is hardened between the fibers on the side face of the mesh-like body, and the side face is attached to the pad main body. Therefore, it is possible that the mesh-like body is not easily displaced with respect to the pad main body while suppressing a sweaty feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignees: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD., TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Manabu Mogi, Yu Sasaki, Junpei Yoshikawa, Jun Takano, Shogo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9975272
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for building retaining and freestanding stone walls, wherein wall panels are made, then transported to an installation location, and installed on site quickly and efficiently. The wall panels are made in wall frames that use joint forms to provided wall panels having sides that reliably and securely mater together. The joint forms include “zig-zag” like connections and a structural interlocking key, engineered to prevent vertical and lateral deformation of the assembled wall. Drainage and strengthening materials are built into the wall panels while in the wall frames. A lifting apparatus is also provided that engages a wall panel through openings formed in a rear side, and stably lifts and flips the wall panel from a facedown orientation to an upright orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NATURAL STONE WALL SOLUTIONS
    Inventor: Troy D. Guinther
  • Patent number: 9969107
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for demolding a polymeric material from a mold are disclosed, the methods comprising the steps of placing a material within a mold, closing the mold, molding the material located within the mold, and opening the mold. The mold includes a demolding tool having a material-engaging portion that is in fluid communication with the mold portion, the demolding tool being reversibly disengagable from the first mold member. The demolding tool is disengagable from a resting position within the first mold member to translate from the first mold member the molded polymeric material associated with the material-engaging portion, thereby separating a portion of the molded polymeric material from the mold cavity. In particular embodiments, the material-engaging portion is a cavity. In other embodiments, the material-engaging portion is associated with one or more longitudinal members extending across a portion of the first mold member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Compagnie Générale des établissements Michelin
    Inventors: Ronald Cress, Nathan J. Panning
  • Patent number: 9956706
    Abstract: A three-dimensional mesh-like body is disposed on a molding face of a lower mold onto which a liquid raw material of flexible foam is poured. An upper mold is laid over the lower mold to form a cavity, a projection projected on the upper mold toward the cavity is contacted with the three-dimensional mesh-like body, and the three-dimensional mesh-like body is fixed. The three-dimensional mesh-like body is attached and fixed to a front surface of a pad main body, so that the three-dimensional mesh-like body can be prevented from being displaced with respect to the pad main body. Moreover, the position of the three-dimensional mesh-like body can be prevented from being displaced in the process of foaming the liquid raw material because of the projection, and a vent hole can be formed on the pad main body. As a result, a sweaty feeling can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignees: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD., TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Manabu Mogi, Yu Sasaki, Junpei Yoshikawa, Jun Takano, Shogo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9925697
    Abstract: A system and method of a method of sealing a leak in an internal bladder within a hollow uncured composite part during cure thereof. The method may include placing a rescue bladder within the internal bladder and sealing an impermeable membrane and/or rigid forming tool to the rescue bladder, such that the uncured composite part is sealed within a chamber cooperatively formed by the impermeable membrane, the rigid forming tool, and the outer surface of the rescue bladder. A vent opening of the rescue bladder and/or a vent opening of the end fitting may remain located outward of the chamber. The method may also include curing the hollow uncured composite part, introducing a pressure differential causing the rescue bladder to inflate and press the internal bladder against an inner surface of the hollow uncured composite part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard F. Spexarth, Darin Clay Wiley
  • Patent number: 9919452
    Abstract: A brick includes a thermoplastic material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), and a cement-containing material. The brick may be made by mixing thermoplastic material and dry, uncured cement-containing material. This mixture is placed in a mold. The mold is heated while the mixture is compressed to melt or soften the thermoplastic material and to bind the particulate material in the mold into the shape of a brick. After the hardened brick is removed from the mold, the surface of the brick may be sprayed with water to cure cement-containing material on the surface of the brick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Fares D. Alsewailem
  • Patent number: 9808957
    Abstract: A method of filling a mold with a settable material, such as a cementitious mixture, is disclosed. The mold includes a plurality of cavities that open to a top face of the mold, and is suitable for forming building elements, such as pavers, for covering surfaces. The method includes providing an additional volume per unit area of settable material to at least part of selected ones of the cavities, and compacting the settable material in at least part of all of the cavities, including the additional volume per unit area of settable material provided to the selected ones of the cavities, to substantially the same thickness. A mold and a scraper suitable for use in the method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Oldcastle Architectural, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Scherer, Leonard Browning, Robert J. Lundell, Steven E. Hinde
  • Patent number: 9796110
    Abstract: A block has a front face with a first surface of non-planar roughness including at least 10% and not more than 90% of the area of the front face. The front face includes a second surface that is even and generally planar, with at least 10% and not more than 90% of the area of the front face. In one example, the first surface is a split face, and the second surface is a burnished split face. In another example, the first surface is a molded face, and the second surface is burnished. Methods of making a block include molding, curing, in some implementations splitting, and then burnishing. Walls can be constructed from these blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Hegyi
  • Patent number: 9789634
    Abstract: Provided is a sheet press molding method by which a molded product having a small plate thickness deviation is obtained. Such a sheet press molding method is provided with a process in which a molded product (30) having a recess and protrusion pattern portion (32), to which a recess and protrusion pattern (3) is transferred, is formed by pressurizing a sheet-shaped material (20) including 60 vol. % to 95 vol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Tomoya Utashiro, Yoshinori Ito, Masayuki Noguchi