Patents by Inventor Andrew G. Yorde

Andrew G. Yorde 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).

  • Publication number: 20090134549
    Abstract: An improved molding apparatus and method of use thereof that inhibits unsightly blemishes that may be formed in molded plastic parts in caused by confined crevices of the molding apparatus. A mold cavity is formed by at least two mold portions and one of said mold portions has a molten plastic flow diverter positioned adjacent the confined crevice. The charge of molten plastic is injected into said cavity such that a portion of the charge of plastic flows over the diverter and into the confined crevice of the mold cavity. The diverter creates a narrow restriction adjacent the crevice such that the mold cavity has a larger cross-sectional area on either side of the diverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yamamoto, William H. Hardgrove, Rick A. Lee, Andrew G. Yorde, Lynn K. Yorde
  • Patent number: 7229578
    Abstract: The present invention relates to light weight molded plastic articles and methods of making same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a hollow-core, foamed-plastic, film-laminate article utilizing convention gas assisted molding apparatus with corresponding high production rate capabilities. The resulting film-laminate, hollow-core, foamed-plastic part comprises a class A show-face surface. The method comprises formation of a porous mass of molten plastic in the mold cavity containing the laminate. The molten plastic is cored out or hollowed by injection of gas into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Green Tokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Johnson, Andrew G. Yorde
  • Publication number: 20040241367
    Abstract: The present invention relates to light weight molded plastic articles and methods of making same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a hollow-core, foamed-plastic, film-laminate article utilizing convention gas assisted molding apparatus with corresponding high production rate capabilities. The resulting film-laminate, hollow-core, foamed-plastic part comprises a class A show-face surface. The method comprises formation of a porous mass of molten plastic in the mold cavity containing the laminate. The molten plastic is cored out or hollowed by injection of gas into the mold cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel R Johnson, Andrew G Yorde
  • Patent number: 6592173
    Abstract: Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Green Tokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: William H. Hardgrove, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Michael A. Swartz, Andrew G. Yorde
  • Publication number: 20020149231
    Abstract: Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: William H. Hardgrove, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Michael A. Swartz, Andrew G. Yorde
  • Patent number: 6436329
    Abstract: Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Green Tokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: William H. Hardgrove, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Michael A. Swartz, Andrew G. Yorde
  • Patent number: 6277319
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for laser trimming a shaped plastic workpiece use a laser beam positioned and directed by a robotic arm traveling along a pre-programmed path to trim the edges of a workpiece held against a positioning block. Preferably, the positioning block includes a laser beam capturing channel comprising suction holes for removing smoke generated by the ablation and burning of the plastic so as to minimize the risk of smoke damage to the workpiece and to remove soot and vapors from the work area. At the same time, laser beams are inhibited form reflecting back off the block onto the workpiece by positioning the channel under the workpiece and along the predetermined cutting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Green Tokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: William H. Hardgrove, Michael A. Swartz, Andrew G. Yorde