Patents by Inventor J. Larry Underwood
J. Larry Underwood 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: 20080067182Abstract: A cap for use on an aerosol container having a dispensing valve secured to a central portion of an upper wall, with an outwardly protruding rim with and inward radial recess surrounding the dispensing valve. The cap has a top wall with a peripheral edge, and an outer skirt depending from the peripheral edge. The cap also has a segmented inner skirt depending from the top wall within the outer skirt having a plurality of inwardly projecting tangs on a bottom edge of some of the inner skirt segments engaging the inward radial recess surrounding the dispensing valve. The segments having the tangs are connected to the central portion of the upper wall so that a downward force applied to the upper wall central portion causes the tangs to disengage from the inward radial recess to permit removal of the cap. The cap upper wall central portion can have more than one stable position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: J. Larry Underwood, Ricky W. Tumlin
-
Patent number: 7047679Abstract: A mold for stepwise molding, using two different plastics, signage composed of a plurality of symbols surrounded by a continuous matrix including a first mold member having a first cavity defining surface including at least one first gate for admitting a first plastic, and a second mold member movable with respect to the first mold member having a second cavity defining surface confronting the first cavity defining surface. The cavity defining surfaces are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance to define a first cavity receiving the first plastic. The second mold includes lateral surfaces defining at least some of the plurality of symbols. At least one second gate is provided in the first mold member, each second gate admitting a second plastic only when a second cavity is defined so that at least a portion of the lateral surfaces defining at least some of said plurality of symbols are retained in position as the second plastic is injected.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: L. L. Culmat, L.P.Inventors: J. Larry Underwood, Ricky W. Tumlin
-
Patent number: 7011482Abstract: A washer formed by two identical C-shaped sections having parallel upper and lower surfaces, two ends, an inside and an outside arcuate edge, the ends having a plurality of tabs and recesses that inter-digitate to form continuous surfaces. The outside arcuate edges have a slot adjacent to one end and a flap projecting from the opposite end. The flaps are inserted into the slots of adjacent sections to retain adjoining ends in fixed relation to each other. Additional grooves on the outside arcuate edge facilitate assembly using needle-nosed pliers.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: L.L. Culmat, L.P.Inventors: J. Larry Underwood, Ricky W. Tumlin
-
Patent number: 7010888Abstract: A frame assembly is formed of two molded sub-assemblies, each sub-assembly being identical to the other. Each sub-assembly has a perimeter wall having an inner surface facing an opening and an outer surface to face a edge of an aperture in a partition. A first edge of the wall confronts a surface of the window while a flange projects outward from the outer surface of the perimeter wall. A plurality of joining elements are fixed to and project normally from the flange. Each joining element includes an alignment element and a locking surface to engage a similar surface on an aligned joining element of a confronting sub-assembly. The joining elements are arranged in a pattern that permits any two sub-assemblies made in the same mold to be permanently snapped together without the use of any separate fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: L.L. Culmat, L.P.Inventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, J. Larry Underwood
-
Patent number: 6814900Abstract: A method for molding an optical attenuator having a unitary lens portion and supporting portion includes the steps of: providing a mold having cavity and core elements which together define a space in which the optical attenuator can be molded including a movable core pin having a proximal end defining a surface of the lens portion, and a core pin motor coupled to the core pin for adjusting the thickness of the lens portion; injecting a suitable polymer into the space to form the optical attenuator; separating the cavity and core elements to extract the optical attenuator from the mold; optically measuring the thickness of the lens portion; and providing a signal indicative of the thickness of the lens to a controller having an output coupled to the core pin motor, the controller providing a signal to the core pin motor specifying any movement necessary to retain the thickness of the lens portion within a desired range before repeating the injecting step.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: L.L. Culmat, LPInventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, J. Larry Underwood
-
Publication number: 20040208729Abstract: A washer formed by two identical C-shaped sections having parallel upper and lower surfaces, two ends, an inside and an outside arcuate edge, the ends having a plurality of tabs and recesses that inter-digitate to form continuous surfaces. The outside arcuate edges have a slot adjacent to one end and a flap projecting from the opposite end. The flaps are inserted into the slots of adjacent sections to retain adjoining ends in fixed relation to each other. Additional grooves on the outside arcuate edge facilitate assembly using needle-nosed pliers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: J. Larry Underwood, Ricky W. Tumlin
-
Publication number: 20040083678Abstract: A frame assembly is formed of two molded sub-assemblies, each sub-assembly being identical to the other. Each sub-assembly has a perimeter wall having an inner surface facing an opening and an outer surface to face a edge of an aperture in a partition. A first edge of the wall confronts a surface of the window while a flange projects outward from the outer surface of the perimeter wall. A plurality of joining elements are fixed to and project normally from the flange. Each joining element includes an alignment element and a locking surface to engage a similar surface on an aligned joining element of a confronting sub-assembly. The joining elements are arranged in a pattern that permits any two sub-assemblies made in the same mold to be permanently snapped together without the use of any separate fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, J. Larry Underwood
-
Publication number: 20040081721Abstract: A mold for stepwise molding, using two different plastics, signage composed of a plurality of symbols surrounded by a continuous matrix including a first mold member having a first cavity defining surface including at least one first gate for admitting a first plastic, and a second mold member movable with respect to the first mold member having a second cavity defining surface confronting the first cavity defining surface. The cavity defining surfaces are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance to define a first cavity receiving the first plastic. The second mold includes lateral surfaces defining at least some of the plurality of symbols. At least one second gate is provided in the first mold member, each second gate admitting a second plastic only when a second cavity is defined so that at least a portion of the lateral surfaces defining at least some of said plurality of symbols are retained in position as the second plastic is injected.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: J. Larry Underwood, Ricky W. Tumlin
-
Patent number: 6663376Abstract: A system for molding optical attenuators that have a lens portion and a supporting portion includes a molding machine containing a mold, an extractor robot and optical inspection portion, and a controller that assesses the inspection information and send control signals to the molding machine and mold. The mold includes a cavity and a core which define a space in which the supporting portion and the attenuator are formed. The mold also includes a core pin, movably located in the core element. The core pin has a proximal end defining a surface of the lens portion and a distal end remote from the molding space. A core pin motor is coupled to the core pin, through a number of intermediate elements, so that the core pin can be moved relative to the core element to adjust a thickness of the lens portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: L.L. Culmat L.P.Inventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, J. Larry Underwood
-
Publication number: 20030030160Abstract: A system for molding optical attenuators that have a lens portion and a supporting portion includes a molding machine containing a mold, an extractor robot and optical inspection portion, and a controller that assesses the inspection information and send control signals to the molding machine and mold. The mold includes a cavity and a core which define a space in which the supporting portion and the attenuator are formed. The cavity and core are separable from each other by an actuating motor of the molding machine subsequent to each injection cycle to permit removal of each molded optical attenuator. The mold also includes a core pin, movably located in the core element. The core pin has a proximal end defining a surface of the lens portion and a distal end remote from the molding space. A core pin motor is coupled to the core pin, through a number of intermediate elements, so that the core pin can be moved relative to the core element to adjust a thickness of the lens portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, J. Larry Underwood
-
Publication number: 20030026865Abstract: A system for molding optical attenuators that have a lens portion and a supporting portion includes a molding machine containing a mold, an extractor robot and optical inspection portion, and a controller that assesses the inspection information and send control signals to the molding machine and mold. The mold includes a cavity and a core which define a space in which the supporting portion and the attenuator are formed. The cavity and core are separable from each other by an actuating motor of the molding machine subsequent to each injection cycle to permit removal of each molded optical attenuator. The mold also includes a core pin, movably located in the core element. The core pin has a proximal end defining a surface of the lens portion and a distal end remote from the molding space. A core pin motor is coupled to the core pin, through a number of intermediate elements, so that the core pin can be moved relative to the core element to adjust a thickness of the lens portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, J. Larry Underwood
-
Patent number: 6494706Abstract: A mold includes a cavity and a core which define a space in which an optical attenuator and supporting portion are formed. The includes a core pin, movably located in the core element. The core pin has a proximal end defining a surface of the lens portion and a distal end remote from the molding space. A core pin motor is coupled to the core pin, through a number of intermediate elements, so that the core pin can be moved relative to the core element to adjust a thickness of the lens portion. The intermediate elements can include a ball screw, a ball screw end cap fixed to a core pin holder block, a ball screw nut fixed to an outer surface of the mold so that an outer end of the ball screw passes through the nut to a location outside the mold.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: L. L. Culmat, LPInventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, J. Larry Underwood
-
Publication number: 20020153624Abstract: A system for molding optical attenuators that have a lens portion and a supporting portion includes a molding machine containing a mold, an extractor robot and optical inspection portion, and a controller that assesses the inspection information and send control signals to the molding machine and mold. The mold includes a cavity and a core which define a space in which the supporting portion and the attenuator are formed. The cavity and core are separable from each other by an actuating motor of the molding machine subsequent to each injection cycle to permit removal of each molded optical attenuator. The mold also includes a core pin, movably located in the core element. The core pin has a proximal end defining a surface of the lens portion and a distal end remote from the molding space. A core pin motor is coupled to the core pin, through a number of intermediate elements, so that the core pin can be moved relative to the core element to adjust a thickness of the lens portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: L. L. Culmat, L.P.Inventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, J. Larry Underwood
-
Patent number: 6335672Abstract: A holder for containing a split ferrite suppressor includes two halves hinged to each other along one side, each half including a recess adapted to hold one portion of a split ferrite suppressor. Each half of the holder also includes two ends, each end containing a generally semicircular notch adapted to receive a cable to which the suppressor is to be applied, and locking tabs disposed on both sides of the semicircular notch for locking the two halves of the holder together. The locking tabs are preferably arranged as confronting mating pairs of male and female elements, each element having a head portion and a neck portion smaller than the head portion. The interlocking tabs preferably include tapering surfaces connecting the head and neck portions, the tapering surfaces applying a biasing force tending to hold the two halves of the holder together. The tapering surfaces are preferably substantially planar surfaces inclined at about 10° with respect to a line bifurcating said head and neck portions.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: L.L. Culmat LPInventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, J. Larry Underwood
-
Patent number: 6160698Abstract: A first surface of a basepan of molded plastic for an electric load center includes a plurality of integrally formed fasteners for securing electrical components such as bus bars, neutral bars, and neutral tie bars to the basepan. Each fastener is formed in the absence of any core through the basepan from a second surface obverse to the first. Each integrally formed fastener has a support portion which projects away from the basepan first surface and a flexural portion supported by the support portion. The flexural portion has a first outwardly facing surface inclined with respect to the basepan first surface at an angle that facilitates elastic deformation of the flexural portion, but not the support portion upon application of a bar to the basepan. The flexural portion also has a second inwardly facing surface arranged at an angle with respect to the basepan first surface that facilitates fixed retention of the bar despite any reasonable variation in the thickness of the bar.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: L. L. Culmat, Ltd.Inventors: Ricky W. Tumlin, J. Larry Underwood
-
Patent number: 4531703Abstract: An article having a flange is molded between a mold core and a unitary mold cavity, the flange being formed during the process as a consequence of the existence of an undercut existing in a first surface of the cavity. A ridge is provided on a second surface of the mold cavity adjacent the undercut. A fluid, i.e., air, is injected between the cavity and the molded article as the core and cavity separate in such a volume and at such a pressure as will maintain the article in substantially complete and constant contact with the core as the core and article are withdrawn from the cavity. The flange conforms to the cavity wall until the article is free from the cavity, and subsequently the molded article is separated from the mold core.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1984Date of Patent: July 30, 1985Inventor: J. Larry Underwood
-
Patent number: 4521367Abstract: An article having a flange is molded between a mold core and a unitary mold cavity, the flange being formed during the process as a consequence of the existence of an undercut existing in a first surface of the cavity. A ridge is provided on a second surface of the mold cavity adjacent the undercut. A fluid, i.e., air, is injected between the cavity and the molded article as the core and cavity separate in such a volume and at such a pressure as will maintain the article in substantially complete and constant contact with the core as the core and article are withdrawn from the cavity. The flange conforms to the cavity wall until the article is free from the cavity, and subsequently the molded article is separated from the mold core.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1981Date of Patent: June 4, 1985Inventor: J. Larry Underwood
-
Patent number: 4388998Abstract: A container and lid of molded plastic material is disclosed having an integral fastening structure for connecting the lid onto the container, the fastener structure amounting to two series of longitudinally and radially reversely inclined interengaging elements, each element supported by an adjacent longitudinal surface. A lower portion of the fastener structure on the container is configured to communicate with the interior of the container below any sealing line between the container and lid. A sealing bead is provided integral with or above the fastener structure. Where the sealing bead is integral with the fastener structure, it takes the form of a dual sealing bead interrupted by the elements of the fastener structure. The lid further includes a central disk constituting a major portion of the lid and at least one intermediate ring-shaped step connecting the central disk to the lower edge of the longitudinal surface on the periphery of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1981Date of Patent: June 21, 1983Assignee: J. Larry UnderwoodInventors: J. Larry Underwood, Stephen M. Thompson, John S. Budde
-
Patent number: 4364895Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the removal of an ejection-molded article from the core of a mold is disclosed in combination with a molding machine in which the mold core is fixed to a moving platen and an ejector mechanism is supplied which mechanically removes the article from the core. The assisting apparatus includes a conduit leading to a surface of the mold core which defines the bottom of the article formed. A piston and cylinder is connected to the conduit, the interior of the cylinder being dimensioned to be approximately equal to the interior volume of the article formed. The cylinder is fixed with respect to the platen, while the piston is fixed with respect to the ejector apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1981Date of Patent: December 21, 1982Inventor: J. Larry Underwood
-
Patent number: 4358024Abstract: A closure for a container having a radial groove on an inside surface of the mouth of the container includes a lid portion having a central disk with an upstanding wall at the periphery of the disk for contacting the inside surface of the mouth of the container. A plurality of radial projections are provided on an outside surface of the upstanding wall. A region of the upstanding wall surrounding each radial projection is substantially thinner than the remaining portions of the upstanding wall so as to impart radial flexibility between the plurality of projections in the remaining portions of the upstanding wall. Actuating means such as a ring axially displaceable with respect to the upstanding wall is provided radially inside the upstanding wall for radially displacing the plurality of projections for engagement with the radial groove on the inside surface of the mouth of the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1981Date of Patent: November 9, 1982Inventor: J. Larry Underwood