Patents by Inventor Gene Michael Altonen

Gene Michael Altonen 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).

  • Injection Molding of Crosslinking Polymers Using Strain Data
    Publication number: 20180370108
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Rick Alan Pollard, Gene Michael Altonen, Chow-Chi Huang
  • Injection Molding of Crosslinking Polymers
    Publication number: 20180361643
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Lewis Montague, II, Rick Alan Pollard, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen, Kimberly Nichole McConnell, Aaron Timothy Neate
  • Injection Molding of Crosslinking Polymers
    Publication number: 20180361635
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Lewis Montague, II, Rick Alan Pollard, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen, Kimberly Nichole McConnell, Aaron Timothy Neate
  • Method for Controlling a Rate or Force of a Clamp in a Molding System Using One or More Strain Gauges
    Publication number: 20180319064
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Rick Alan Pollard, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen
  • Upstream nozzle sensor for injection molding apparatus and methods of use
    Patent number: 10107697
    Abstract: A strain gauge nozzle adapter that may be placed between a barrel end cap and a nozzle body of an injection molding system, the strain gauge nozzle adapter having a strain gauge pin that measures strain within the strain gauge nozzle adapter for use in approximating conditions within an injection molding system, such as pressure or the location of a melt flow front. The strain gauge nozzle adapter may include a plurality of strain gauge pins. An alternative material insert in the strain gauge nozzle adapter may surround a strain gauge pin to amplify meaningful measurements obtained by the strain gauge pin so that noise measurements do not compromise the accuracy of approximation of conditions within a mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: IMFLUX INC.
    Inventors: Rick Alan Pollard, Bryan Keith Allen, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen
  • In-Mold Non-Time Dependent Determination of Injection Molded Part Ejection Readiness
    Publication number: 20180281257
    Abstract: Non-time dependent measured variables are used to effectively determine an optimal ejection time of a part from a mold cavity. A system and/or approach may first measure at least one non-time dependent variable during an injection molding cycle. The part is ready to be ejected from the mold upon the measured variable reaching a threshold value indicative of, for example, a part temperature dropping below an activation temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas Mulkern Unkovic, Gene Michael Altonen, Daniel Lumpkin, William Francis Lawless, III, H. Kenneth Hanson, III, Chow-Chi Huang
  • Packaging system with an overcap
    Patent number: 10081475
    Abstract: An overcap for a roast and ground coffee container is disclosed. The overcap can include a gasket as an airtight seal between the overcap and the container that preserves a clicking sound upon closure by an end user and an outer portion that gives an end user a visual and touchable stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: THE FOLGER COFFEE COMPANY
    Inventors: Gerard Laurent Buisson, Gene Michael Altonen
  • Apparatus for injection molding at low constant pressure
    Patent number: 10076861
    Abstract: A low constant pressure injection molding machine forms molded parts by injecting molten thermoplastic material into a mold cavity at low substantially constant pressures of 6,000 psi and less. As a result, the low constant pressure injection molding machine includes a mold formed of easily machineable material that is less costly and faster to manufacture than typical injection molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: IMFLUX INC
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Ralph Edwin Neufarth, Gary Francis Schiller
  • CO-INJECTION WITH CONTINUOUS INJECTION MOLDING
    Publication number: 20180178425
    Abstract: A carousel-like continuous co-injection molding system includes an arrangement of upper and lower inclined feed channels. Each of the feed channels has a valve therein positioned upstream of an inlet to an associated mold cavity. The valve is controllable so that adjustments may be made in real time to achieve or maintain delivery of molten polymeric material to the mold cavity at constant pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Coy Del Ward, Ralph Edwin Neufarth, Gene Michael Altonen, Chow-Chi Huang, Charles John Berg, JR.
  • Method for Controlling Valve Gates Using One or More Strain Gauges
    Publication number: 20180141252
    Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a sequential valve gate molding 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 first valve gate from a first strain gauge, identifying whether a deviation exists from a first portion of the target strain profile based on the output from the first strain gauge, determining whether any existing deviation exceeds the deviation limit, and adjusting the position of a first valve gate pin in the first valve gate if it does. The method may further include control of subsequent valve gates. Multiple strain gauges may be used to control a single valve gate, and/or each strain gauge may control more than one valve gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen, Brandon Michael Birchmeier
  • Co-injection with continuous injection molding
    Patent number: 9937647
    Abstract: A carousel-like continuous co-injection molding system includes an arrangement of upper and lower inclined feed channels. Each of the feed channels has a valve therein positioned upstream of an inlet to an associated mold cavity. The valve is controllable so that adjustments may be made in real time to achieve or maintain delivery of molten polymeric material to the mold cavity at constant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: IMFLUX INC.
    Inventors: Coy Del Ward, Ralph Edwin Neufarth, Gene Michael Altonen, Chow-chi Huang, Charles John Berg
  • Non-naturally balanced feed system for an injection molding apparatus
    Patent number: 9937646
    Abstract: A low constant pressure injection molding machine forms molded parts by injecting molten thermoplastic material into a mold cavity at low constant pressures of 6,000 psi and lower. As a result, the low constant pressure injection molding machine includes a mold formed of easily machineable material that is less costly and faster to manufacture than typical injection molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: IMFLUX, INC.
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Charles John Berg, Jr., Ralph Edwin Neufarth, Gary Francis Schiller
  • INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEM WITH USER-ADJUSTABLE VARIABLES
    Publication number: 20180056566
    Abstract: An injection molding machine uses a controller to effectively control its operation. The controller may determine and/or receive information regarding the machine's maximum load capacity, and may also determine a current operational load value of the machine. The controller may cause the machine to operate at any number of combinations of settings of operational parameters which result in the machine operating at or below the maximum load value by adjusting any number of machine parameters associated with the injection molding machine based on feedback sensors measuring real-time operating conditions of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Brian Matthew Burns, H. Kenneth Hanson, III
  • INJECTION MOLDING SYSTEM WITH DISCRETELY-ADJUSTABLE VARIABLE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20180056567
    Abstract: An injection molding machine uses a controller to effectively control its operation. The controller may determine and/or receive information regarding the machine's maximum load capacity, and may also determine a current operational load value of the machine. The controller also may determine a number of set points used to operate the machine. The controller may cause the machine to operate at these set points, thereby resulting in the machine operating at or below the maximum load value by adjusting any number of machine parameters associated with the injection molding machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Brian Matthew Burns, H. Kenneth Hanson, III
  • METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING AN INJECTION MOLDING PROCESS USING A STRAIN GAUGE
    Publication number: 20180001530
    Abstract: Methods of monitoring and controlling a molding process using a sensed change in strain provided by a strain gauge are provided. A target strain profile is created for a molding process of a molding apparatus. An upper and lower deviation limit from the target strain profile for the molding process is provided. If a sensed change in strain exceeds a deviation limit, an alarm is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Rick Alan Pollard, Brian Matthew Burns, Gene Michael Altonen
  • INJECTION MOLDING WITH TARGETED HEATING OF MOLD CAVITIES IN A NON-MOLDING POSITION
    Publication number: 20180001529
    Abstract: Injection molding utilizing targeted heating of mold cavities when in a non-molding position, thereby facilitating enhancement of the appearance and strength of injection molding parts in a manner that does not significantly increase cycle times or energy consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Chow-Chi Huang, Jes Tougaard Gram
  • UPSTREAM NOZZLE SENSOR FOR INJECTION MOLDING APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20180003575
    Abstract: A strain gauge nozzle adapter that may be placed between a barrel end cap and a nozzle body of an injection molding system, the strain gauge nozzle adapter having a strain gauge pin that measures strain within the strain gauge nozzle adapter for use in approximating conditions within an injection molding system, such as pressure or the location of a melt flow front. The strain gauge nozzle adapter may include a plurality of strain gauge pins. An alternative material insert in the strain gauge nozzle adapter may surround a strain gauge pin to amplify meaningful measurements obtained by the strain gauge pin so that noise measurements do not compromise the accuracy of approximation of conditions within a mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Rick Alan Pollard, Bryan Keith Allen, Chow-Chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen
  • METHOD FOR EVENLY DISTRIBUTING PLASTIC MELT IN A HOT RUNNER SYSTEM USING STRAIN GAUGES
    Publication number: 20180001531
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: William Francis Lawless, III, Rick Alan Pollard, Gene Michael Altonen, Brian Matthew Burns
  • Feed system for an injection molding machine
    Patent number: 9855694
    Abstract: A feed system for an injection molding machine. The feed system includes a first part with a first channel, and a second part with a second channel. The first channel and the second channel together form a molten plastic feed conduit when they are engaged. The first part and the second part are unbonded to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: IMFLUX INC.
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Ralph Edwin Neufarth, Chow-chi Huang, Michael Thomas Dodd, Matthew Lloyd Newman
  • Method and apparatus for substantially constant pressure injection molding of thinwall parts
    Patent number: 9815233
    Abstract: A substantially constant pressure injection molding method and machine that forms molded parts by injecting molten thermoplastic material into a mold cavity at a substantially constant pressure. As a result, the mold cavity is filled with molten thermoplastic material by advancing a continuous flow front of thermoplastic material from a gate to an end of the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: IMFLUX, INC.
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Michael Thomas Dodd, Natalia Maria Ramon Martinez, Kimberly Nichole McConnell, Danny David Lumpkin, Vincent Sean Breidenbach, John Russell Lawson