Patents by Inventor Bjorn Criel

Bjorn Criel 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).

  • Patent number: 8658079
    Abstract: Process and device for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank equipped with at least one communication component, by molding a parison using a mold comprising two impressions and a core, said process comprising the pressing of the parison against the impressions and formation of a pocket in this parison, the communication component being fastened in this pocket by welding of at least one portion of its side wall to at least one portion of the side wall of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, David Hill
  • Publication number: 20140048985
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including: a) inserting a plastic parison including two distinct parts into an open two-cavity mold; b) inserting a core, bearing at least part of a reinforcing element configured to create a link between the two parison parts, inside the parison; c) pressing the parison firmly against the mold cavities, for example by blowing through the core and/or creating suction behind the cavities; d) fixing the part of the reinforcing element to at least one of the parison parts using the core; e) withdrawing the core; f) closing the mold, bringing its two cavities together to grip the two parison parts around their periphery to weld them together; g) injecting a pressurized fluid into the mold and/or creating a vacuum behind the mold cavities to press the parison firmly against the mold cavities; and h) opening the mold and extracting the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn CRIEL, Stephane LEONARD, Thierry FERRACIN, Frederic JANNOT
  • Publication number: 20140034649
    Abstract: Method for stake-fastening an accessory (4) into a plastic fuel tank, whereby : the accessory (4) is equipped with at least one orifice (5) which passes right through the accessory (4); at least some of the plastic of which the wall of the tank (1) is made is melted; and some of the molten plastic is forced through the orifice (5) of the accessory without becoming detached from the remainder of the molten plastic; the protruding molten plastic is given an appropriate shape (8) to obtain a self-formed plastic rivet, and is left to solidify; the size and shape of the orifice (5) and/or of the solidified plastic (8) being such that the accessory (4) is mechanically fastened to the tank by at least some of the solidified plastic (8), the stake-fastening of the accessory (4) occurring at the time of manufacture of the tank (1) through the moulding of a split or at least two-part parison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn CRIEL, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Pascal De Henau
  • Publication number: 20140027959
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including: a) inserting a plastic parison including two distinct parts into an open two-cavity mold; b) inserting a core, bearing at least part of a reinforcing element configured to create a link between the two parison parts, inside the parison; c) pressing the parison firmly against the mold cavities, for example by blowing through the core and/or creating suction behind the cavities; d) fixing the part of the reinforcing element to at least one of the parison parts using the core; e) withdrawing the core; f) closing the mold, bringing its two cavities together to grip the two parison parts around their periphery to weld them together; g) injecting a pressurized fluid into the mold and/or creating a vacuum behind the mold cavities to press the parison firmly against the mold cavities; and h) opening the mold and extracting the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn CRIEL, Stephane Leonard, Thierry Ferracin, Frederic Jannot
  • Publication number: 20140027958
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including at least one component, by molding a parison using a mold including two impressions and a core, the process including: introducing a parison into the mold impressions; introducing a core inside the parison, the core having a moving device including the at least one component closing the mold so that the impressions come into leaktight contact with the core; pressing the parison against the impressions by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the impressions; fastening the at least one component on an inner wall of the parison; opening the mold to withdraw the core; and final molding the parison by blow-molding and/or thermoforming; and to enable its fastening to the parison, the component is moved away from the core by the moving device through a combination of a rotational motion and a linear motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: David Hill, James Edward Thompson, Bjorn Criel
  • Patent number: 8591798
    Abstract: Method for stake-fastening an accessory (4) into a plastic fuel tank, whereby:—the accessory (4) is equipped with at least one orifice (5) which passes right through the accessory (4); —at least some of the plastic of which the wall of the tank (1) is made is melted; and—some of the molten plastic is forced through the orifice (5) of the accessory without becoming detached from the remainder of the molten plastic; —the protruding molten plastic is given an appropriate shape (8) to obtain a self-formed plastic rivet, and is left to solidify; the size and shape of the orifice (5) and/or of the solidified plastic (8) being such that the accessory (4) is mechanically fastened to the tank by at least some of the solidified plastic (8), the stake-fastening of the accessory (4) occurring at the time of manufacture of the tank (1) through the moulding of a split or at least two-part parison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Pascal De Henau
  • Patent number: 8580064
    Abstract: Process for fastening an accessory to a hollow body obtained by molding a molten plastic parison and using a plastic connector comprising coupling means for the accessory and a stop surface intended to limit the penetration of the connector into the molten plastic, according to which the stop surface is provided with a curved double lip (or one-piece part having two concentric curved edges, i.e., two protuberances located preferably at its periphery, which are concentric and are in relief relative to the remainder of the part) and the connector is welded to the inner wall of the parison using this double lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Frederic Jannot, Bjorn Criel, Pierre-Francois Tardy, Ralph Pohlmann
  • Publication number: 20130297178
    Abstract: It is proposed a method for detecting a presence of a leak in a fuel system mounted on board of a vehicle. The method is such that it comprises the steps of: a) obtaining (S1,S6) temperatures and pressures in the fuel system at a first time and at a second later time; b) calculating (S8) a pressure expected in the fuel system at the second time, on the basis of at least one of the temperatures and pressures obtained at the first and second times, and a coefficient that represents the natural evolution of pressure in the fuel system over time; c) detecting (S9) a leak by comparing the calculated expected pressure and the pressure obtained at the second time to at least one predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYS. RESEARCH (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: David Hill, Bjorn Criel, Antoine Chaussinand
  • Publication number: 20130264736
    Abstract: Method for producing a fuel tank provided with internal accessories and having a wall made of plastic made in a single piece by moulding a split parison or a parison in at least two parts, said method comprising the following steps: a) the parison is introduced in the heat-softened state into a mould comprising dies; b) a core on which the accessories are placed is introduced inside the parison; c) the parison is pressed onto the dies of the mould; d) the accessories are fastened to the parison with the aid of the core in an ideal layout; e) the core is withdrawn and the mould is closed; f) the tank is moulded from the parison; and g) the tank is removed from the mould.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Bjorn CRIEL, Nadja WALLING, Fabrice LABORDE, Hervé Lemoine
  • Patent number: 8500437
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, the process comprising the following steps: a) a tubular stream of molten plastic is extruded; b) this stream is taken up by means of a tensioning device; c) a transverse cut is made in this stream so as to create a parison having one free edge that is not taken up by the tensioning device; d) the parison is moved relative to the tensioning device so that the free edge of the parison is also taken up by the tensioning device; and e) at least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison over its entire length. Equipment suitable for implementing this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (S.A.)
    Inventors: Pierre-Francois Tardy, Bjorn Criel, Philippe Bournonville
  • Patent number: 8496867
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank equipped with a component, by molding a parison using a mold comprising two cavities and a core, the process comprising the mounting of a component around a needle or an oblong object attached to the core, the displacement of the needle or oblong object so as to deform the parison and pierce an opening into it, the needle or oblong object carrying the component with it in order to position the component in the opening, and the withdrawal of the needle/oblong object, leaving the component lodged in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Jean-Claude Mur, David Hill
  • Patent number: 8475614
    Abstract: Method for producing a fuel tank provided with internal accessories and having a wall made of plastic made in a single piece by moulding a split parison or a parison in at least two parts, said method comprising the following steps: a) the parison is introduced in the heat-softened state into a mould comprising dies; b) a core on which the accessories are placed is introduced inside the parison; c) the parison is pressed onto the dies of the mould; d) the accessories are fastened to the parison with the aid of the core in an ideal layout; e) the core is withdrawn and the mould is closed; f) the tank is moulded from the parison; and g) the tank is removed from the mould.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Nadja Walling, Fabrice Laborde, Hervé Lemoine
  • Patent number: 8470235
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a fuel tank provided with internal accessories, based on a plastic parison, which is split or in at least two parts, in which process, the accessories are positioned on the parison while it is being molded, using a core (1) forming part of a mold which also comprises dies (2a, 2b), and in which process, the core is able to move in a controlled manner at a variable speed and/or between optional stop positions of variable duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Pierre-Francois Tardy
  • Publication number: 20130140730
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body by molding two sheets of molten plastic in a mold including two cavities, the process including: a) two molten plastic sheets are manufactured by extrusion of at least one stream of molten plastic and transverse cutting thereof; b) these sheets are introduced between the mold cavities; c) the mold is closed and the hollow body is manufactured by conforming the two sheets to the mold cavities; d) the hollow body thus obtained is removed from the mold; e) all of operations a) to d) are repeated to manufacture another hollow body from two new sheets; and before, during, or after the transverse cutting operation, the lower portion of the two new sheets is cooled using a specific device that makes possible a local cooling of the sheets in the lower portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Pierre-Francois Tardy, Bjorn Criel, Jean-Claude Mur, Serge Dupont, Franck Bajor
  • Publication number: 20130037549
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a fuel tank including a thermoplastic wall and a fibrous reinforcement on at least one portion of its outer surface, according to which: a molten thermoplastic parison is molded in a mold and is left to cool in order to obtain a wall of the tank; a fibrous reinforcement is chosen that includes a thermoplastic similar to or compatible with that of the wall of the tank and the reinforcement is heated so as to soften or even melt the thermoplastic of the reinforcement; and the reinforcement is applied to an outer surface of the tank by exerting a force that makes it possible to weld the reinforcement and the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Philippe Martin, Serge Dupont, Bjorn Criel
  • Patent number: 8372331
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank equipped with an internal line by molding a parison using a mold comprising two cavities and a core, comprising the following steps: introducing the parison into the mold cavities; introducing the core inside the parison, said core having first been fitted with the line; closing the mold so that the cavities come into leaktight contact with the core; pressing the parison against the cavities by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the cavities; fastening the line to the parison over at least two points using a device attached to the core; opening the mold to withdraw the core; and carrying out the final molding of the parison by blow molding and/or thermoforming, in which the line comprises, between its fastening points, a free length that is capable of coming into contact with the parison and/or with an accessory found thereon when the mold is closed, and wherein during the fastening step, at least one intermediate fastening point is created u
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (S.A.)
    Inventors: Frédéric Jannot, Bjorn Criel, Pierre-François Tardy, Pierric Besnard, Stéphane Galliot
  • Publication number: 20130008908
    Abstract: A fuel tank having two opposite wall portions and at least one reinforcing element connecting these two wall portions, such reinforcing element comprising at least two parts linked by at least one rotating link. A method for manufacturing such tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: David HILL, Bjorn CRIEL, Vincent CUVELIER, Scott McCleary
  • Publication number: 20120306117
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body including extruding a molten plastic parison through a die. At least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison. The parison is introduced into a mold comprising two cavities. The hollow body is molded by conforming the parison to the mold cavities. The die includes a passage for the molten plastic which gradually modifies the shape of the parison so that it is substantially flattened on exiting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (S.A.)
    Inventors: Bjorn CRIEL, Philippe Bournonville, Pierre-François Tardy
  • Patent number: 8268212
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, said process comprising the following steps: a) a molten plastic parison is extruded, in an extruder, through a die; b) at least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison; c) the parison is introduced into a mold comprising two cavities; and d) the hollow body is molded by conforming the parison to the mold cavities, said die being equipped with a passage for the molten plastic which gradually modifies the shape of the parison so that it is substantially flattened on exiting. Die suitable for implementing this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (S.A.)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Philippe Bournonville, Pierre-Francois Tardy
  • Publication number: 20120223084
    Abstract: A plastic fuel tank comprising un upper wall, a lower wall and at least two compartments, such compartments being established by a dividing wall comprising a part of the tank upper and lower walls, this dividing wall having at least one communication means enabling free flow of liquids between at least two compartments and at least one communication means enabling free flow of vapors between at least two compartments, such communications means occupying less than 80% of the dividing wall, the at least 20% remaining of the dividing wall being constituted by at least one kiss point formed by welding together a multiplicity of contact points of the upper and lower walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Vincent Cuvelier, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Benoit Devaux