Patents Examined by Stella K Yi
  • Control methods for additive manufacturing system
    Patent number: 11161297
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling an additive manufacturing system. The method may include causing a head to discharge composite material along a first trajectory, and activating a cure enhancer to at least partially cure composite material discharging from the head along the first trajectory. The method may also include selectively deactivating the cure enhancer as the head nears a corner location, moving the head to a second trajectory after the head reaches the corner location, and reactivating the cure enhancer after moving the head to the second trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Lyle Tyler, Blake L. Alfson, Josiah D. Coad, Kaleb Forrest Beebout
  • Sub-ambient pressure morphology control process for use in molding extruded polymer foams, and parts produced therefrom
    Patent number: 11161285
    Abstract: A method of sub-ambient pressure processing of blow-molded polymer foams and skin-over-foam sandwich panel configurations for lightweight components having improved structural properties. The method can create either skinned or un-skinned foams that offer smooth interior and exterior surfaces, zero or controlled surface porosity, skins of pre-defined thickness, and foam cells that are expanded and oriented normal to the material plane, effectively spherical or polyhedral in nature, and offering improved bending and compressive strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Toledo Molding & Die, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Beard, Pete Ermie, Chris Lambert, Jay Myers, Erich Vorenkamp, Steve Wagener
  • Silicone compositions rapidly cross-linkable at ambient temperatures and methods of making and using same
    Patent number: 11161937
    Abstract: Provided are rapidly cross-linkable silicone compositions, systems, kits, and methods for filling implanted medical devices in situ, the implanted medical devices, including for example, body implants and tissue expanders, the compositions including a platinum divinyl disiloxane complex; a low viscosity vinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane; a low viscosity hydride terminated polydimethylsiloxane; and a silicone cross-linker, where the rapidly cross-linkable silicone composition has a viscosity of ?150 cPs for ?1 min. post-preparation and ?300 cPs?5 min. post-preparation, at ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: ETHICON, INC.
    Inventors: Duan Li Ou, Leo B. Kriksunov, Lamar Kirchhevel, Clifford Dwyer
  • Biodegradable and industrially compostable injection moulded microcellular flexible foams, and a method of manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 11155009
    Abstract: A process for injection molded microcellular foaming various flexible foam compositions from biodegradable and industrially compostable bio-derived thermoplastic resins for use in, for example, footwear components, seating components, protective gear components, and watersport accessories wherein a process of manufacturing includes the steps of: producing a suitable thermoplastic biopolymer or biopolymer blend; injection molding the thermoplastic biopolymer or biopolymer blend into a suitable mold shape with inert nitrogen gas; controlling the polymer melt, pressure, temperature, and time such that a desirable flexible foam is formed; and utilizing gas counterpressure in the injection molding process to ensure the optimal foam structure with the least amount of cosmetic defects and little to no plastic skin on the outside of the foamed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: O2 PARTNERS, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Falken
  • Methods for orthodontic appliance fabrication and orthodontic appliances made thereby
    Patent number: 11154383
    Abstract: A dental aligner and methods and systems for manufacturing the dental aligner. A boundary contour is defined in a two-dimensional space based on an edge of a model aligner in a ruler disc. The boundary contour may be measured on a grid in which the model aligner is formed. The information pertaining to the boundary contour in the model is transferred to a flat workpiece. The boundary contour may follow the patient's gingival margin. A trench is formed in the flat workpiece based on the boundary contour measured in the model aligner. The flat workpiece including the trench is deformed. Deforming the trench forms at least a portion of the edge of the dental aligner and may include a trim boundary. The aligner may be separated from the workpiece at the trim boundary. The model aligner and dental aligner may vacuum thermoformed from the same mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Evan Yifeng Tsai, Jessica Elivier Grande, Sammel Shahrier Alauddin
  • Bush
    Patent number: 11131343
    Abstract: Provided is a resin bush capable of slidably supporting a shaft when the bush has been fitted in a housing; particularly, a resin bush suitable for use in an environment in which the effects of a difference in thermal expansion coefficients are likely to be prominent, such as a high-temperature environment, even when the housing and the shaft are made of a material such as a metal that has a different thermal expansion coefficient from that of the resin bush. In the resin bush (1), which is molded by extrusion molding, a slit (12) is formed from one axial end surface (11a) towards another axial end surface (11b). A recessed section (13) for a gate (a gate position), which is provided to the one axial end surface (11a), is provided in a position that is deviated from being symmetrical with the slit (12), at least with respect to a center axis O of a bush body (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, OILES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Kobayashi, Akihiko Okimura, Tetsuya Katamine
  • Emulational Christmas tree branch and manufacturing process therefor
    Patent number: 11116346
    Abstract: An artificial tree branch includes a tree branch body formed by injection molding a first material over an internal structural member of a second material. The tree branch body includes a main body portion having an elongated shape with a first end and a second end, and a plurality of sockets formed at various positions along the main body. Each socket is formed as an outward bulge from the main body portion, with the outward bulge defining a cavity to receive and retain artificial tree leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventor: Junjie Mai
  • Methods of forming patterned dental positioning appliances
    Patent number: 11103329
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for forming a patterned dental positioning appliance. One method includes forming a virtual shell shaped to receive one or more teeth of a virtual model of a patient's dentition, and digitally applying a pattern on an inner surface within cavities of the virtual shell, where the pattern contacts at least a portion of the one or more teeth and modifies repositioning forces exerted on the one or more teeth. In some cases the pattern is a raised pattern, such as a raised mesh pattern. In forming the dental appliance, in some cases, the shell and the pattern are formed of the same material to form a unitary piece of the polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunhua Li, Yan Chen
  • Manufacturing system for expandable aerial vehicle components
    Patent number: 11090845
    Abstract: Manufacturing systems for expandable components may include a controller, a heat and/or pressure source, and a transfer line. For example, the expandable components may be configured to transform from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration upon application of heat and/or pressure. In addition, the controller may activate the heat and/or pressure source to release heat and/or gases that are directed to the expandable components via the transfer line. Further, the manufacturing system may also include an igniter, a manifold, and a valve to further control the release of heat and/or gases. Moreover, at least a portion of the heat and/or gases may be recaptured in a closed chamber and redirected to additional expandable components in other closed chambers. Furthermore, various post-processing may be performed on the components in their expanded configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven McGinnis, Adrian Timothy Wallace
  • Decorative sheet
    Patent number: 11084256
    Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative sheet capable of vividly displaying deep-color designs including raven blackness. The decorative sheet includes a base material, and at least a protective layer, a primer layer, and a decorative layer laminated in this order on the base material, wherein the decorative layer contains a black pigment and the primer layer is formed of a cured product of a resin composition containing a resin A having a hydroxyl value of 44 mgKOH/g or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihisa Noda, Hiroki Kawanishi
  • Method for manufacturing foaming composite molding, in-mold foaming molding unit, foaming composite molding, and mold for foaming composite molding
    Patent number: 11077588
    Abstract: A method of producing a foamed composite molded product includes fixing an exposed part of an insert material on a fixing part provided in a mold, the insert material being inserted in an in-mold foamed molded product made of a thermoplastic resin; introducing a polyurethane liquid into the mold; and producing the foamed composite molded product by foaming the polyurethane liquid in the mold. The foamed composite molded product includes an in-mold foamed molded product unit including the insert material and the in-mold foamed molded product; and a polyurethane foam. At least part of the insert material is exposed to an outside of the in-mold foamed molded product, and the in-mold foamed molded product unit and the polyurethane foam are integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki Tobimatsu, Masahiko Sameshima
  • Precast concrete wall and method
    Patent number: 11077583
    Abstract: A precast concrete wall structure and method for forming a wall structure are disclosed. A frame is positioned within a casting bed. The frame comprises first and second spaced apart metal tracks which are interconnected by a plurality of metal studs. The casting bed has a plurality of surfaces defining a generally rectangular interior area. A forming member is placed above the frame, the forming member comprising a layer of insulating material defining a plurality of integrally-formed rectangular protrusions extending in a parallel and spaced-apart relationship to one another to define a plurality of rectangular-shaped channels therebetween. Uncured concrete is placed within the casting bed and allowed to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: EnviroCast, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff VanHoose
  • System and method for continuously manufacturing cured membranes
    Patent number: 11065796
    Abstract: A method of continuously manufacturing a cured membrane includes continuously compounding and mixing a vulcanizable rubber composition in a mixing extruder while continuously removing gasses from the vulcanizable rubber composition during mixing with a vacuum. The vulcanizable rubber composition may be continuously extruded to form an extrudate, which may be continuously calendered to form a green membrane. The green membrane may be continuously cured, such as by a hot air conveyor curing system, to form a cured membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Firestone Building Products Company, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Douglas, Michael Hubbard, Hao Wang
  • Cast components having surfaces with resin coatings
    Patent number: 11052583
    Abstract: Lightweight and strong components may be manufactured using foam material compositions and resin coating materials by the processes described herein. One or more mandrels and/or a molding tool may be coated with resin coatings, the one or more mandrels may be inserted into the molding tool, and a foam material composition may be injected into the molding tool. After closing the molding tool, the foam material composition may expand and cure to form a component, and heat may be applied to cure the resin coatings into skins. For example, an external skin may be formed by the resin coatings on an exterior surface of the component in contact with surfaces of the molding tool, and one or more internal skins may be formed by the resin coatings on one or more interior surfaces of negative space spars of the component in contact with surfaces of the one or more mandrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven McGinnis, Prescott Gee Glynn, Kader Chellabi, Adrian Timothy Wallace, Ricky Dean Welsh
  • Instrinsically antimicrobial porosic matrix composites and method of manufacture thereof
    Patent number: 11039611
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlling for an effective pore size using removable pore-forming substances and physically incorporated, non-leaching antimicrobials. A flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlled for an effective pore size composited physically incorporated, high-surface area, non-leaching antimicrobials, optionally in which the physically incorporated non-leaching antimicrobial exposes nanopillars on its surface to enhance antimicrobial activity. A kit that enhances the effectiveness of the intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite by storing the composite within an antimicrobial container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: John Paul Wilson
  • Apparatuses and methods for forming concrete curbing
    Patent number: 11032979
    Abstract: A specialized curb forming tool and a method of using the tool to simply and easily create custom concrete curbing of any shape and length without complicated equipment or specialized expertise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: James Craig Shelton
  • Methods for forming rotor blades having foam cores
    Patent number: 11027465
    Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and may include positioning at least one nozzle within a hollow portion of a rotor blade at a distance associated with a span of the rotor blade and providing, via the at least one nozzle, a liquid foam mixture in the hollow portion, wherein the liquid foam expands and becomes a solid foam material that fills the hollow portion of the rotor blade. Another method is provided in another example embodiment and may include providing a plurality of openings for a rotor blade that are positioned proximate to a hollow portion of the rotor blade and providing a liquid foam mixture in the hollow portion of the rotor blade through at least one opening of the rotor blade, wherein the liquid foam mixture expands and becomes a solid foam material that fills the hollow portion of the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: James A. Cordell, Suvankar Mishra, Andrew Paul Haldeman, Jesse J. Wrabel, Dalton T. Hampton
  • Multiple screw extruder implemented with vacuum vent and screws configured to densify, or extract fluid from, material processed by the extruder
    Patent number: 11027476
    Abstract: A multiple screw extruder (50) combines application of vacuum to a vacuum vent (62) positioned between material feed locations (70, 72) of the extruder and use of specially configured extruder screws (58) to extract gases, primarily air, out of the extruder to densify the materials introduced into it and to extract unwanted fluid from material introduced for mixture with molten polymeric material flowing through the extruder. The multiple screw extruder is operationally versatile in that it is capable of carrying out the material densification and fluid extraction processes either separately or simultaneously. Implementation of the disclosed vacuum feed technology provides an increase in rate of extrudate throughput as compared with that achievable by implementation of atmospheric venting (16) in a conventionally configured extruder (10a, 10b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Entek Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Colt Aaron McDaniel, Dean Justin Elliott, Craig Allen Benjamin
  • System for the production of fiber composite components
    Patent number: 11027504
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a system for the production of fiber composite components, having at least a first fiber placement machine for the application of fiber layers to a workpiece, and a further processing station, distinct from the fiber placement machine, for the modification of the workpiece, wherein the workpiece can be brought both to the fiber placement machine and to the further processing station by means of an automated conveyor means. Various additional embodiments are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Broetje-Automation GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Boge, Matthias Meyer, Axel Peters
  • Method and device for producing a foam particle part
    Patent number: 11014276
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the production of a foam particle part. The method comprises the following steps: feeding of foam particles from a material container to a mould by means of a pipe thermoplastic welding of the foam particles in the mould to make a foam particle part with the input of heat, wherein steam is added to the foam particles to be fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Kurtz GMBH
    Inventors: Harald Sommer, Walter Kurtz, Norbert Reuber