Patents by Inventor Noman Shafi

Noman Shafi 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: 6063326
    Abstract: A method of thermoforming a thin flexible film comprising a series of steps. A thin flexible film capable of being thermoformed is heated until it is pliable. A mold having first and second surfaces on different planes forms a thermoformed article having a contoured surface. A first portion of the pliable film is contacted with the first surface. A first vacuum is applied through the first surface to draw the first portion against the first surface. After the first portion of the film is drawn against the first surface, a second portion of the film contacts the second surface. A second vacuum is applied through the second surface to draw the second portion of the film against the second surface. Air trapped between the mold and the film is first removed between the first surface and the first portion of the film and then removed from between the second surface and the second portion of said film so that the thermoformed article is substantially defect-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Srinivas Kotha, Noman Shafi, Huan-Kun Chang, Frederick J. Homburg