Patents by Inventor Alan Pollard
Alan Pollard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11953462Abstract: A method of forming a glass electrochemical sensor is described. In some embodiments, the method may include forming a plurality of electrical through glass vias (TGVs) in an electrode substrate; filling each of the plurality of electrical TGVs with an electrode material; forming a plurality of contact TGVs in the electrode substrate; filling each of the plurality of contact TGVs with a conductive material; patterning the conductive material to connect the electrical TGVs with the contact TGVs; forming a cavity in a first glass layer; and bonding a first side of the first glass layer to the electrode substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Robert Alan Bellman, Jeffrey Stapleton King, Scott Christopher Pollard
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Publication number: 20230191676Abstract: Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure are directed to external sensor kits that may be included in new injection molds or retrofitted into existing injection molds in order to approximate conditions within a mold, such as pressure or the location of a melt flow front. Such kits are designed to amplify meaningful measurements obtained by the external sensor kit so that noise measurements do not prevent the approximation of conditions within a mold. In some embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, an external sensor kit includes a strain gauge sensor, a coupon, a support bracket, and a hammer. The strain gauge sensor is placed on a surface of the coupon and measures the strain in the coupon.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Chow-Chi Huang, Rick Alan Pollard, Gene Michael Altonen
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Patent number: 11673358Abstract: A molding system and a method for forming a sole structure are provided. The method includes flowing a molten polymeric material into a mold from an upstream device, receiving the molten polymeric material in a cavity of the mold, and maintaining a repeatable, uniform pressure profile as the molten polymeric material is delivered into the mold.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2019Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Shayne Hannemann, Kimberly Nichole McConnell, Justin Andrew Meyer, Rick Alan Pollard
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Patent number: 11642821Abstract: Non-time dependent calculated variables based on measured strain are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure strain at the mold cavity or at another location within the injection molding system, and then calculate at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity, whereupon a cure profile is commenced.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: IMFLUX INC.Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Rick Alan Pollard, Gene Michael Altonen, Chow-Chi Huang
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Patent number: 11623378Abstract: A system includes a cavity, an injection nozzle configured to inject material into the cavity, and a plurality of sensors at sensor locations. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure parameters at one of the sensor locations. The system lacks a strain gauge. The system further includes a controller configured to control a flow rate of the injection of material into the cavity. The controller is configured to receive the measured parameters and compare the received information to predetermined curves. The controller is configured to control the flow rate when the measured parameters deviate from the predetermined curves.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: IMFLUX INC.Inventors: Milko Gergov, Chow-Chi Huang, Steve Andrew Burns, Rick Alan Pollard
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Patent number: 11618197Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a molding clamping apparatus in an injection molding or other molding process is disclosed. The method includes creating a target strain profile, receiving a deviation limit, receiving a change in strain relating to a mold while it is closing from a first strain gauge, identifying a deviation from a target strain profile based on the output from the first strain gauge, determining that the deviation exceeds the deviation limit, and adjusting the rate or force of clamp movement. The target strain profile may have a first portion relating to a clamp closing process, a second portion relating to a filling process, and a third portion relating to a clamp opening process. The first portion relating to the clamp closing process may include an intermediate portion relating to a coining process having an intermediate clamp force setpoint.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: IMFLUX INC.Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Rick Alan Pollard, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen
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Patent number: 11613059Abstract: Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure are directed to external sensor kits that may be included in new injection molds or retrofitted into existing injection molds in order to approximate conditions within a mold, such as pressure or the location of a melt flow front. Such kits are designed to amplify meaningful measurements obtained by the external sensor kit so that noise measurements do not prevent the approximation of conditions within a mold. In some embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, an external sensor kit includes a strain gauge sensor, a coupon, a support bracket, and a hammer. The strain gauge sensor is placed on a surface of the coupon and measures the strain in the coupon.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: IMFLUX INC.Inventors: Chow-Chi Huang, Rick Alan Pollard, Gene Michael Altonen
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Patent number: 11491690Abstract: A foaming process and a method for operation of the foaming process are provided. The method includes flowing a molten polymeric material into a mold from an upstream device, receiving the molten polymeric material in a cavity of the mold, and maintaining a repeatable, uniform pressure profile as the molten polymeric material is delivered into the mold.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Shayne Hannemann, Kimberly Nichole McConnell, Justin Andrew Meyer, Rick Alan Pollard
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Publication number: 20220024098Abstract: Non-time dependent measured variables are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Richard Lewis Montague, II, Rick Alan Pollard, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen, Kimberly Nichole McConnell, Aaron Timothy Neate
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Patent number: 11161286Abstract: Non-time dependent measured variables are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2018Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: IMFLUX INC.Inventors: Richard Lewis Montague, II, Rick Alan Pollard, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen, Kimberly Nichole McConnell, Aaron Timothy Neate
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Publication number: 20210268705Abstract: Non-time dependent calculated variables based on measured strain are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure strain at the mold cavity or at another location within the injection molding system, and then calculate at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity, whereupon a cure profile is commenced.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Rick Alan Pollard, Gene Michael Altonen, Chow-Chi Huang
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Publication number: 20210260805Abstract: A system includes a cavity, an injection nozzle configured to inject material into the cavity, and a plurality of sensors at sensor locations. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure parameters at one of the sensor locations. The system lacks a strain gauge. The system further includes a controller configured to control a flow rate of the injection of material into the cavity. The controller is configured to receive the measured parameters and compare the received information to predetermined curves. The controller is configured to control the flow rate when the measured parameters deviate from the predetermined curves.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Milko Gergov, Chow-Chi Huang, Steve Steve Burns, Rick Alan Pollard
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Publication number: 20210187811Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a molding clamping apparatus in an injection molding or other molding process is disclosed. The method includes creating a target strain profile, receiving a deviation limit, receiving a change in strain relating to a mold while it is closing from a first strain gauge, identifying a deviation from a target strain profile based on the output from the first strain gauge, determining that the deviation exceeds the deviation limit, and adjusting the rate or force of clamp movement. The target strain profile may have a first portion relating to a clamp closing process, a second portion relating to a filling process, and a third portion relating to a clamp opening process. The first portion relating to the clamp closing process may include an intermediate portion relating to a coining process having an intermediate clamp force setpoint.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2021Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Rick Alan Pollard, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen
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Patent number: 11040472Abstract: Non-time dependent calculated variables based on measured strain are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure strain at the mold cavity or at another location within the injection molding system, and then calculate at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity, whereupon a cure profile is commenced.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: IMFLUX INC.Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Rick Alan Pollard, Gene Michael Altonen, Chow-Chi Huang
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Patent number: 11034070Abstract: A system includes a cavity, an injection nozzle configured to inject material into the cavity, and a plurality of sensors at sensor locations. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure parameters at one of the sensor locations. The system lacks a strain gauge. The system further includes a controller configured to control a flow rate of the injection of material into the cavity. The controller is configured to receive the measured parameters and compare the received information to predetermined curves. The controller is configured to control the flow rate when the measured parameters deviate from the predetermined curves.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: IMFLUX INC.Inventors: Milko Gergov, Chow-Chi Huang, Steve Andrew Burns, Rick Alan Pollard
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Patent number: 10974430Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a molding clamping apparatus in an injection molding or other molding process is disclosed. The method includes creating a target strain profile, receiving a deviation limit, receiving a change in strain relating to a mold while it is closing from a first strain gauge, identifying a deviation from a target strain profile based on the output from the first strain gauge, determining that the deviation exceeds the deviation limit, and adjusting the rate or force of clamp movement. The target strain profile may have a first portion relating to a clamp closing process, a second portion relating to a filling process, and a third portion relating to a clamp opening process. The first portion relating to the clamp closing process may include an intermediate portion relating to a coining process having an intermediate clamp force setpoint.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: IMFLUX INC.Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Rick Alan Pollard, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen
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Publication number: 20210101323Abstract: Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure are directed to external sensor kits that may be included in new injection molds or retrofitted into existing injection molds in order to approximate conditions within a mold, such as pressure or the location of a melt flow front. Such kits are designed to amplify meaningful measurements obtained by the external sensor kit so that noise measurements do not prevent the approximation of conditions within a mold. In some embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, an external sensor kit includes a strain gauge sensor, a coupon, a support bracket, and a hammer. The strain gauge sensor is placed on a surface of the coupon and measures the strain in the coupon.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventors: Chow-Chi Huang, Rick Alan Pollard, Gene Michael Altonen
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Patent number: 10953583Abstract: Non-time dependent measured variables are used to effectively determine an optimal hold profile for an expanding crosslinking polymer part in a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first inject molten expanding crosslinking polymer into a mold cavity, then measure at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. Next, the system and/or method commences a hold profile for the part, and upon completing the hold profile, the part is ejected from the mold cavity, whereupon a cure profile is commenced.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: IMFLUX INC.Inventors: Richard Lewis Montague, II, Rick Alan Pollard, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen, Kimberly Nichole McConnell, Aaron Timothy Neate
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Patent number: 10899058Abstract: Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure are directed to external sensor kits that may be included in new injection molds or retrofitted into existing injection molds in order to approximate conditions within a mold, such as pressure or the location of a melt flow front. Such kits are designed to amplify meaningful measurements obtained by the external sensor kit so that noise measurements do not prevent the approximation of conditions within a mold. In some embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, an external sensor kit includes a strain gauge sensor, a coupon, a support bracket, and a hammer. The strain gauge sensor is placed on a surface of the coupon and measures the strain in the coupon.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: IMFLUX INC.Inventors: Chow-Chi Huang, Rick Alan Pollard, Gene Michael Altonen
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Patent number: 10814540Abstract: A hot runner injection molding apparatus, and method of use, is disclosed in which strain gauges are provided in the temperature zones of the hot runner injection molding apparatus and a hot runner controller creates a target strain profile, detects deviations from the target strain profile in any temperature zone based on the strain readings provided by the strain gauges in each temperature zone, and instructs correction of deviations from the target strain profile in any deviating temperature zone by adjusting the heat produced by a heater or heaters in the deviating temperature zone. The target strain profile may be based on a median or average of strain readings provided over time by the strain gauges in each temperature zone. A hollow installation tube for placing the strain gauges in the hot runner injection molding apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: IMFLUX INC.Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Rick Alan Pollard, Gene Michael Altonen, Brian Matthew Burns