Patents by Inventor George J. Galic

George J. Galic 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: 6290882
    Abstract: Hard to fill large-surface-area parts and/or thinwalled configurations of optical lenses and reflective optical elements are among the difficult-to-mold thermoplastic products which require precision replication of the molding surfaces, in micro detail. We combine multiple opposing gates (to reduce the meltflow pathlength) with non-isothermal steps of firstly, heating these mold surfaces (with circulating heat transfer fluids supplied by a hot side supply system, to a temperature setpoint sufficiently high to retard solidification), then secondly, injecting the melt through these opposing gates, then thirdly, rapidly cooling to solidification (by circulating heat transfer fluids of much lower temperature, supplied from a cold side supply system).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures LLP
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic, John R. Filipe
  • Patent number: 6024902
    Abstract: Plastic injection-compression multi-cavity molding of flash-free improved-cleanliness thermoplastic spectacle lenses (16) are suitable to be robotically dip hardcoated. Special spring-loaded (25, 26) molds having variable-volume mold cavities are used in an injection-compression molding process to form, without parting line flash, pairs of a wide range of differing optical power of polycarbonate Rx spectacle lenses (16). These pairs have special molded-on design features which are specially suited for full automation, starting with a novel way for ejection out of the mold into a takeout robot which is integrated via full automation with subsequent dip hardcoating. A molded-on tab with each pair of lenses is specially suited for manipulation by SCARA type robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 5866262
    Abstract: Dipcoated Rx spectacle lenses require coating scratch resistance, tinting and/or AR coating processes. Chemically, fully-hydrolized copolymers of amino silane and epoxide silane form the chemical backbone of these heat-curing hardcoats, although polyfunctional organic resin modifiers may also "co-cure" into the backbone. The liquid coating copolymer is made in three chemical reactions: (1) fully hydrolizing the two silane Components A&B separately, with a stoichemetric excess of water; (2) ketimine formation, to latently cap the amine functionality; (3) "bodying" the liquid hardcoating to a desired degree of copolymerization, by reacting together the fully hydrolized ketimine silane Component B with the fully hydrolized epoxide-functional silane Component A. Dilution is with the selected resin modifier(s) ketone and alcohol solvent. The resin modifier has at least two organo-functional reactive groups per molecule, of epoxide or melamine or hydroxyl or urea families.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: George J. Galic, Steven M. Maus
  • Patent number: 5792392
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for lens thickness adjustment in injection molding of thermoplastic vision-corrective spectacle lenses without manual addition or removal of shims, of inserts or of any other mold part. Thickness adjustment can be made quickly between molding cycles with a simple manual setting and locking step while the lens mold is kept at very hot operating temperatures, yet with minimal risk of burning the operator. A rotatable adjustment head is mounted externally onto the mold's operator side, and manually-driven rotation turns a threaded screw which engages a mechanical assembly which produces an axially perpendicular motion which in turn drives forward or back the settable position of an optically polished insert within the lens mold's cavity. Preferably, this manually-driven rotation turns a worm gear mechanism which rotates a threaded male shaft within a mated threaded female bore axially perpendicular to the parting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 5750156
    Abstract: Plastic injection-compression multi-cavity molding of flash-free improved-cleanliness thermoplastic spectacle lenses (16) are suitable to be robotically dip hardcoated. Special spring-loaded (25, 26) molds having variable-volume mold cavities are used in an injection-compression molding process to form, without parting line flash, pairs of a wide range of differing optical power of polycarbonate Rx spectacle lenses (16). These pairs have special molded-on design features which are specially suited for full automation, starting with a novel way for ejection out of the mold into a takeout robot which is integrated via full automation with subsequent dip hardcoating. A molded-on tab with each pair of lenses is specially suited for manipulation by SCARA type robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 5750060
    Abstract: Plastic injection-compression multi-cavity molding of flash-free improved-cleanliness thermoplastic spectacle lenses (16) are suitable to be robotically dip hardcoated. Special spring-loaded (25, 26) molds having variable-volume mold cavities are used in an injection-compression molding process to form, without parting line flash, pairs of a wide range of differing optical power of polycarbonate Rx spectacle lenses (16). These pairs have special molded-on design features which are specially suited for full automation, starting with a novel way for ejection out of the mold into a takeout robot which is integrated via full automation with subsequent dip hardcoating. A molded-on tab with each pair of lenses is specially suited for manipulation by SCARA type robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 5718849
    Abstract: Plastic injection-compression multi-cavity molding of flash-free improved-cleanliness thermoplastic spectacle lenses are suitable to be robotically dip hardcoated. Special spring-loaded molds having variable-volume mold cavities are used in an injection-compression molding process to form, without parting line flash, pairs of a wide range of differing optical power of polycarbonate Rx spectacle lenses. These pairs have special molded-on design features which are specially suited for full automation, starting with a novel way for ejection out of the mold into a takeout robot which is integrated via full automation with subsequent dip hardcoating. A molded-on tab with each pair of lenses is specially suited for manipulation by SCARA type robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 5512221
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for lens thickness adjustment in injection molding of thermoplastic vision-corrective spectacle lenses without manual addition or removal of shims, of inserts or of any other mold part. Thickness adjustment can be made quickly while the lens mold is kept at very hot operating temperatures, yet minimal risk of burning the operator. A rotatable adjustment head is mounted externally onto the mold's operator side, and manually-driven rotation turns a threaded screw which moves one wedge block of a slideably mated pair of opposing wedge blocks in a plane parallel to the parting line, thus moving the opposing wedge block axially forward or back perpendicular to the parting line, but always retaining proper alignment and loadbearing support of optical inserts, even in multicavity injection-compression molding. After many re-polishings of inserts, lens thickness specifications are still maintained without needing shims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 5376317
    Abstract: Improved optical disks for information storage and holographic imaging, and optical lenses and reflective optical elements are among the difficult-to-mold thermoplastic products which require precision replication of the molding surfaces, in micro detail. By heating (with circulating heat transfer fluids supplied by a hot side reservoir) these mold surfaces to a temperature setpoint sufficiently high to retard solidification and premature viscoelastic skinning of the molten thermoplastic injected into the mold cavity, superior quality molded surfaces can be formed by the plastic, which is then rapidly cooled to solidification (by circulating heat transfer fluids supplied from a cold side reservoir).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 5340303
    Abstract: Faster injection molding cycles in an optical disk mold which forms the centerhole by tearing out the sprue can be obtained by increasing the "hot strength" of the sprue by addition of a plurality of rigidifying ribs onto only the B side of the sprue. This plurality of molded-in ribs is formed within a mating plurality of female cavities cut into the axially displaceable ejector sleeve, within which is guided an axially displaceable ejector pin, all within the displaceable half of the moldset. These ribs are circumferentially spaced and extending between the B side displaceable half surface of the sprue flange (substantially located within the plane of the molded disk) and extending substantially downstream to the juncture with the ejector pin surface of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 5244606
    Abstract: A molded disk is transferred out of the mold with short-stroke low-mass motions of a pair of mechanical guides which can grip, then release, the O.D. edge of the molded disk, when acting in coordination with movable mold members having undercuts for molded-on retention of the inner portion of the molded disk and/or sprue. Acting together, the disk is stripped off the molding surfaces and can be oriented in a second vertical plane to freely drop out an aperture in the mold, to exit through a discharge chute. Two ways of separating the sprue from the disk are shown, with a molded-in centerhole being preferred. This method and apparatus for transferring the molded disk out faster by gravity discharge wherein an optical disk mold can be enclosed against airborne dirt throughout molding cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 5141430
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus creates a micro-cleanroom environment inside a mold cavity which can stay closed to airborne contaminants while ejecting and transferring the molded part out. The molded part is formed and solidified at a parting-line plane within the mold cavity, then is carried rearward on the movable mold insert to a second plane where it is stripped off and transferred out through a discharge aperture which is open when the mold cavity is in the second plane but closed off when in the first plane. The aperture faces substantially downward to prevent entry by upwelling thermal air currents. External supplied filtered gas can provide positive pressure through vents within the moldset's internal space. This maximizes mold and part cleanliness while speeding up mold-open cycle and may eliminate HEPA filters/enclosures and robots. Optical disks, lenses, food packaging and medical parts are suggested uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 5068065
    Abstract: Optimum sprue design requires suitably large cross-sectional area of the open aperture during mold filling and packing yet fast heat removal from the molten sprue during solidification. This is accomplished by a "hollow" sprue configuration, wherein an enlarged female sprue bushing cavity of large draft angles is axially aligned with a "spreader die" type of male member having a generally conical-tipped or parabolic-tipped torpedo shape, creating a cross-sectional open aperture consisting of an annular ring along at least partway up from the base to the tip. Both male and female may be fitted with internal mass-transport cooling. Since the cooling time of the sprue is directly proportional to the wall thickness of the molten plastic sprue being formed, and cooling time is further inversely proportional to the plastic/mold surface area, the resulting "hollow sprue" provides superior cooling without impaired fill and pack function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 5015426
    Abstract: In critical surface quality plastic molded articles, especially in optical lenses and disks, an "adaptive" mold cavity is used to automatically control melt pressure and densification during mold packing to within a predetermined range of acceptable values, while normal cycle-to-cycle molding process variations produce a corresponding minor but acceptable change in the molded-part thickness. In multicavity "adaptive" moldsets, permissible cavity-to-cavity imbalance without an overfilled cavity flashing at the parting line is increased. A resilient member (mechanical steel spring or elastomer or hydraulic cylinder) is interposed between the part-forming mold insert surface and the associated clamp plate for that half of the moldset. When the mold is initially closed, a separation distance between the A and B mold insert is less than the molded product specification's minimum acceptable part thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 4981634
    Abstract: An injection molding process creates a micro-cleanroom environment inside a mold cavity which can stay closed to airborne contaminants while ejecting and transferring the molded part out. The molded part is formed and solidified at a parting-line plane within the mold cavity, then is carried rearward on the movable mold insert to a second plane where it is stripped off and transferred out through a discharge aperture which is open when the mold cavity is in the second plane but closed off when in the first plane. The aperture faces substantially downward to prevent entry by upwelling thermal air currents. External supplied filtered gas can provide positive pressure through vents within the moldset's internal space. This maximizes mold and part cleanliness while speeding up "mold-open" cycle; may eliminate HEPA filters/enclosures and robots. Optical disks, lenses, food packaging and medical parts are suggested uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Galic Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 4965028
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermoplastic multigated single cavity or multicavity injection molding. A plasticated melt flows along a melt distributing passageway (3), (15), (8), and enters through a plurality of gates (35) associated with and enters through a plurality of gates (35) associated with one or more mold cavity (18). Melt temperature is maintained by means of manifold heaters (26), bushing heater band (20) and, most preferably, heated probe (16). A unique melt conditioning element placed just upstream of gate (35) forces the melt to enter a plurality of inlet melt channels (51) and flow through a region of constricted cross section and/or angular change of flow direction formed by the geometric relationship of a bushing wall (13) to said element. The result is to provide, by design, various degrees of melt heating, melt filtration, and melt homogenization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Galic/Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 4908169
    Abstract: Method for improved melt quality of thermoplastics processed in reciprocating-screw molding, especially optical injection molding processes. In a reciprocating-screw injection-drive unit (4) is a barrel (53) and screw (15). Screw (15) is double flighted throughout its melting or transition zone (2), to form melt channel (48) and solids channel (50) separated by melt-filtering flight element (47), and kept in fluid communication by melt-transfer apertures (47 or 55 or 56) or substantially nonvertical ramped barrier flight geometry (not shown). The largest energy input for melting is directly provided by thermal conductivity, via electrical resistance heating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventors: George J. Galic, Steven M. Maus
  • Patent number: 4900242
    Abstract: Apparatus for injection compression molding of thermoplastic parts. A preferred apparatus (100) includes a platen assembly 106, a toggle clamp assembly 102, a screw injection assembly 101, a hydraulic system suitable for providing power to the toggle clamp assembly 102 and the screw injection assembly 101, and a control system 88 for operatively controlling the various hydraulic devices associated with the molding apparatus. The platen assembly 106 provides for a plurality of variable-volume mold cavities 7. In one embodiment, enlarged mold cavities 7 receive plasticized resin from the screw injection assembly 101, and compression of the injected resin is provided by the toggle clamp assembly 102. In another embodiment, the platen assembly 106 includes a floating die assembly wherein pressure created by injected resin causes die inserts 5 and support pillars 15 to slide relative to a molding plate 74. Compression in this embodiment is also preferably provided by the main toggle clamp assembly 102.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: 4828769
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for injection compression molding of thermoplastic parts. A preferred apparatus (100) includes a platen assembly 106, a toggle clamp assembly 102, a screw injection assembly 101, a hydraulic system suitable for providing power to the toggle clamp assembly 102 and the screw injection assembly 101, and a control system 88 for operatively controlling the various hydraulic devices associated with the molding apparatus. The platen assembly 106 provides for a plurality of variable-volume mold cavities 7. In one embodiment, enlarged mold cavities 7 receive plasticized resin from the screw injection assembly 101, and compression of the injected resin is provided by the toggle clamp assembly 102. In another embodiment, the platen assembly 106 includes a floating die assembly wherein pressure created by injected resin causes die inserts 5 and support pillars 15 to slide relative to a molding plate 74. Compression in this embodiment is also preferably provided by the main toggle clamp assembly 102.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Galic/Maus Ventures
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic
  • Patent number: RE40152
    Abstract: Plastic injection-compression multi-cavity molding of flash-free improved-cleanliness thermoplastic spectacle lenses (16) are suitable to be robotically dip hardcoated. Special spring-loaded (25, 26) molds having variable-volume mold cavities are used in an injection-compression molding process to form, without parting line flash, pairs of a wide range of differing optical power of polycarbonate Rx spectacle lenses (16). These pairs have special molded-on design features which are specially suited for full automation, starting with a novel way for ejection out of the mold into a takeout robot which is integrated via full automation with subsequent dip hardcoating. A molded-on tab with each pair of lenses is specially suited for manipulation by SCARA type robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Optics Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Maus, George J. Galic