Patents Issued in February 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9573295
    Abstract: A cutting tool, a mounting bracket for the cutting tool, and a rotatable cutting head are provided. The cutting tool includes a saddle portion configured to be secured to a mounting bracket, an aperture extending through the saddle portion, and at least one cutting bit attachment portion. The mounting bracket includes a base having a receiving slot configured to receive a cutting tool, a threaded recess extending at least partially through the base, and a curved bottom surface corresponding to a curvature of a cutting drum. The rotatable cutting head comprises a drive shaft connectable to a drive motor, a drum portion coupled to the drive shaft, the drum portion having a curved outer surface, a plurality of mounting brackets secured to the curved outer surface, and at least one cutting tool having at least one cutting bit attachment portion removably secured to at least one of the mounting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SURFACE PREPARATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: H. Matthew Johnson, Jeffrey M. Dows
  • Patent number: 9573296
    Abstract: A method for simultaneously cutting a multiplicity of slices from a cylindrical workpiece, along strictly convex cutting faces, by supplying a suspension of hard substances in a carrier liquid, as cutting medium, to wire portions, while the wire portions, having a longitudinal tension, define a relative motion to the workpiece as a result of wire guide roller rotation with continual alternation between a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation, wherein, during the rotation in the first direction, the wire is moved a first length, and during the rotation in the second direction, the wire is moved a second length, and the second length is shorter than the first, and at the cutting operation start a first longitudinal wire tension is greater than a second longitudinal tension at the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SILTRONIC AG
    Inventor: Georg Pietsch
  • Patent number: 9573297
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a system and method for enhancing polymerization and nanoparticles production using a disc reactor. The system comprises a rotating disc comprising a first surface and a second surface arranged longitudinally along a single axis of rotation, a shaft attached to the rotating disc, a ring provided on top of the first surface of the rotating disc, at least one feed inlet for providing a feed solution, a fluid inlet for providing a heat transfer fluid, a fluid outlet for exiting the heat transfer fluid, a product collector for collecting the produced nanoparticles and a product outlet for exiting the produced nanoparticles. The feed solution flows from the first surface to the second surface of the rotating disc due to centrifugal forces and gets accumulated on the product collector and exits from the disc reactor through the product outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Reza Reza Youssefi, Somayeh Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 9573298
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite element. A stack of plies is assembled on a lay-up table, each ply comprising a plurality of reinforcement elements such as dry-fibers. A first part of the stack of plies is bound to form a partially bound stack of plies, a second part of the stack of plies remaining unbound. The partially bound stack of plies is press-formed in a mold cavity between a pair of mold tools to form a shaped pre-form, plies in the second part of the stack sliding against each other during the press-forming. A liquid matrix material is injected into the shaped pre-form in the mold cavity and subsequently cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Simon W Topping, Martin Edwards, Risto Kallinen, Nils Haack
  • Patent number: 9573299
    Abstract: A vent hole of a mold for molding a tire is formed by suppressing bending deformation of a wire in a casting mold. By using a relational expression among a length of a wire in a casting space, a diameter of the wire, a contact angle of the wire with respect to a molten metal, and a bent amount of the wire by casting acquired by experiments, the contact angle of the wire at which the bent amount of the wire is within an allowable range is calculated from conditions of an actual length and the diameter of the wire. On the basis of the calculated contact angle of the wire, the wire is disposed in the casting space. By pouring the molten metal into the casting space, a cast metal with the wire cast-in in the casting space is cast. A vent hole is formed by withdrawing the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Ishihara
  • Patent number: 9573300
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sheet having a fine shape transferred thereon, in which a sheet base made of a thermoplastic resin is placed between an imprint mold and an intermediate base and the sheet base is then pressed by a pair of pressing plates to imprint the fine shape of surface irregularity of the imprint mold to the sheet-like base. The sheet base is pressed such that, when pressing force of the pressing plates is maximum, an imprinting pressure difference is present in an imprinting surface of the imprint mold, a maximum imprinting pressure section is present in the imprinting surface, and a portion where the imprinting pressure is minimum is not present in the imprinting surface. The method achieves uniform and highly accurate shape transfer without trapping of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Yuma Hirai, Kiyoshi Minoura, Fumiyasu Nomura
  • Patent number: 9573301
    Abstract: Ply wrinkling during hot drape forming of a composite laminate is reduced at corner radii. A tensioning material placed over an uncured composite laminate charge maintains a compressive force on the laminate charge as the charge is formed over a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: The BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: William Thomas Kline, Christopher Gary Harris
  • Patent number: 9573302
    Abstract: The present invention includes an injection molding factory system and an associated facility that comprises a building having a series of injection molding machines array on a first floor with the resin supply placed on a mezzanine level. The injection molding machines are arranged with automatic product conveyors to move injection molded product from the injection molding machines without the need for human operators or separate vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Plastic Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Duffey, Ryan Duffey
  • Patent number: 9573303
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of metal and plastic composite bodies integrated by etching a surface of a metal member and forming a thermoplastic resin on an etching surface may include forming a printing layer which prints a pattern or a character on an exposed surface of a metal member and a protective layer for protecting the printed pattern thereon, grease-removing and cleaning to remove a passivation oxidized film at a rear side of the metal member to be integrally coupled with a plastic portion, surface-treating a surface by using and etching a ferric chloride solution in a range of pH 3 to 4.5 so as to form a minute unevenness at the rear side, removing a smut generated in the surface-treating process, and molding for integrally forming the plastic portion with the metal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: Hyndai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hankook National Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung Seob Yu, Yang Gi Lee, Chan Mook Choi, Hyung Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 9573304
    Abstract: The present invention provides an in-mold detachable marking device which does not lock rotation of an index body even when the index body is repeatedly rotated to switch marking indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Uratanishouji Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Uratani
  • Patent number: 9573305
    Abstract: A device for producing a silicone rubber cupping appliance is provided. The device includes a nozzle, an internal mould core, a separable slide comprising at least two separable slide blocks; and a blowing-demoulding unit. A mould cavity used for moulding the silicone rubber cupping appliance is formed between the slide and the internal mould core. One end of the nozzle is connected to a channel that transports liquid silicone rubber material, and another end of the nozzle is connected to the mould cavity. The blowing-demoulding unit is connected to the mould cavity through a blow duct opening which is set at a contact surface of the internal mould core and the mould cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Green Island International TCM Group Limited
    Inventor: Bing Yuan
  • Patent number: 9573306
    Abstract: A method may comprise generating a first electronic model of a workpiece to be manufactured using an injection-molding process. The first electronic model may then be analyzed and the workpiece in the first electronic model may then be selectively distorted according to the analysis. A second electronic model of the distorted workpiece may then be generated. The workpiece may then be injection-molded within a mold generated using the second electronic model. Thereafter, the workpiece may be cooled such that the injection-molded workpiece gradually assumes the shape or substantially the shape of the workpiece in the first electronic model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wojciech Szeremeta, Robert G. Fairchild, Brian S. Nihei
  • Patent number: 9573307
    Abstract: A method for preparing a fiber-reinforced composite article initially performs a trial molding by a molding machine to prepare a trial composite article of a composite molding material including a polymeric material having a plurality of fibers, wherein the trial composite article has a trial fiber orientation distribution. The method further generates a predicted fiber orientation distribution fitting with the trial fiber orientation distribution, wherein the predicted fiber orientation distribution is generated by performing a first molding simulation for the trial composite article by using physical rheology parameters and physical fiber orientation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CORETECH SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huan Chang Tseng, Chia Hsiang Hsu, Rong Yeu Chang
  • Patent number: 9573308
    Abstract: A meltblown method for producing nonwoven fabrics with hygroscopic metastatic feature. Firstly, fuse prepared bio-polyamide 6,10 into a melt, then extrude, and blow the melt out spinnerets to form natural bio-polyamide 6,10 filaments laid onto a conveyer to form a substrate fibrous web. Secondly, blend and dissolve prepared pulp by putting N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) dissolving solvent, and dehydrate it to form dope, then extrude and blow the dope out spinnerets to form natural cellulose filaments laid up over existing fibrous web of bio-polyamide 6,10 on the conveyer so that a fibrous composite of the bio-polyamide 6,10 and natural cellulose in overlaid lamination is formed thereon. Finally, coagulate and regenerate the fibrous composite of the bio-polyamide 6,10 and natural cellulose by means of ejecting mist aerosol of water, and convert it into nonwoven fabric with hygroscopic metastatic feature by orderly applying post treatments of hydro-entangled needle punching, drying, winding-up processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ACELON CHEMICALS AND FIBER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wen-Tung Chou, Ming-Yi Lai, Kun-Shan Huang, Hsiao-Chi Tsai
  • Patent number: 9573309
    Abstract: To efficiently feed a molten resin to the resin holders. An intermittently feeding device works to intermittently feed a transfer unit equipped with resin holders, and has a cam supported by a motor via a support. The cam is rotated by the motor. A cam follower of a moving block meshes with the screw of the cam, and the moving block moves along a support rail accompanying the turn of the cam. The motor rotates at a constant speed, and the transfer unit 3 is fed intermittently depending on the shapes of the cam and of the cam follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TOYO SEIKAN GROUP HOLDINGS, LTD.
    Inventors: Norihisa Hirota, Yutaka Asano, Toshifusa Azuma
  • Patent number: 9573310
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a panel from a molten composite material, and a panel product fabricated accordingly. Two platens in spaced relation define a gap which decreases uniformly from first ends of the platens toward second ends of the platens. Molten composite material is moved through the decreasing gap to compress the material between the platens. Cooling drums cool the composite panel shortly after extrusion. A mesh is rolled into a surface of the extruded panel; the screen remains partially exposed on the panel surface to provide a panel surface amenable to the application of adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Phil T. Archuletta
  • Patent number: 9573311
    Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with first and second fluid transporting structures located on opposing surfaces facing one another across the channel in the top and bottom surfaces of the channel situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. The design can be readily incorporated into microfluidic chips without the need for special manufacturing protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David R. Mott, Peter B. Howell, Jr., Frances S. Ligler, Stephanie Fertig, Aron Bobrowski
  • Patent number: 9573312
    Abstract: Exfoliation of graphene from graphite using multilayer coextrusion is generally disclosed. In some example embodiments, graphite may be dispersed within a first processing material, and the first processing material and a second processing material may be co-extruded through a plurality of series coupled layer multiplication dies to exfoliate graphene from the graphite. The graphene may be separated from the resulting multi-layered material. In some example embodiments, graphite flake and/or expanded graphite may be dispersed within the first processing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Carlos A. Cruz
  • Patent number: 9573313
    Abstract: Puck and collar alignment device embodiments facilitate simultaneous insertion of free end portions of screw shafts into open end portions of complementary drive couplings. The embodiments have alignment keys that correct deviations in alignment and rotation introduced while moving the screw shafts though a barrel of an extruder. Tapered front faces of the alignment keys incrementally adjust coaxial alignment, and tapered side faces of the alignment keys incrementally adjust rotational position cooperatively between the alignment devices and drive couplings. The coaxial and rotational position adjustments cooperate to simultaneously guide multiple alignment keys to fit within corresponding keyway sections while providing alignment of external splines on the screw shafts to interlock in a timed relationship with internal splines on the drive couplings during the simultaneous insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Entek Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Craig Allen Benjamin, Melissa Christine Jensen-Morgan, Dean Justin Elliott
  • Patent number: 9573314
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of delivering a predetermined volume of beverage into a thermoplastic container formed from a heated preform positioned in a mold, characterized in that the product includes a step of injecting at least some beverage into a recess in the preform so as to promote expansion of the preform inside the mold, the mold defining the shape of the container, a volume of beverage introduced during the injection step being at least equal to said predetermined volume, and, in addition, the method includes a step of sucking out a fraction of said volume of the beverage introduced until the volume of beverage remaining in the container is approximately equal to said predetermined volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: DISCMA AG
    Inventors: Guillaume Chauvin, Fabio Chimetto, Klaus Hartwig
  • Patent number: 9573315
    Abstract: An apparatus for shaping plastics material pre-forms into containers includes a blow molding station on a movable conveying device. The station has a blow mold forming a cavity in which the pre-forms are expandable by a gaseous medium. A stressing device acts upon the pre-forms with the gaseous medium to expand them. A clean room surrounds the blow molding station at least in part. A stretching unit stretches the pre-forms along their longitudinal direction and includes a stretch bar movable with respect to the plastics material pre-forms. The stretch bar is insertable into the pre-forms. The station has a receiving space with a wall for receiving the stretch bar, which is movable relative to the receiving space and which surrounds the stretch bar at least in part. A flexible sealing device, which separates a sterile room area from a non-sterile room area, is arranged inside the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Michael Neubauer, Yasin Kerim, Eduard Handschuh
  • Patent number: 9573316
    Abstract: A blow molding mold which can reduce the production cost and can easily perform replacement work. The blow molding mold includes a body mold, a bottom mold and a neck mold. The neck mold is provided with a first cooling mechanism. The body mold includes an inner body mold corresponding to the outer surface of a body portion of a plastic bottle, and an outer shell located outside the inner body mold. The inner body mold can be attached/detached to/from the outer shell when replacing the inner body mold in conformity with the shape of the plastic bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Suga, Takuma Miyawaki
  • Patent number: 9573317
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoforming device (10), in particular for cups (1) that can be filled with a foodstuff, having a mold (11) comprising an upper part (12) and a deep-drawing mold (13) arranged underneath the upper part (12) for molding at least one cup (1) in a heated sheet of film (2), wherein the deep-drawing mold (13) forms a side wall (4) and a bottom area (5) of the at least one cup (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Kloeppel, Martin Beck, Michael Birkner, Peter Walter
  • Patent number: 9573318
    Abstract: A flexible roll forming device is provided. The roll forming device includes bases respectively disposed on opposite sides with respect to a process direction center line in a left/right direction of which rails are configured thereon along a lateral direction of the process direction center line, and upper and lower forming rolls configured to vary both positions in the lateral direction of processing, and angles from the process direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SUNGWOO HITECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mun Yong Lee, Kuk-Rae Cho
  • Patent number: 9573319
    Abstract: An imprinting method in which alignment control of a mold and a substrate is effected and a pattern formed on the mold is transferred onto a pattern forming layer provided on the substrate. The imprinting method includes a step in which the mold and the substrate are brought near to each other while effecting the alignment control, after the alignment control is started, to bring the mold and the pattern forming layer into contact with each other, and then, the pattern forming layer is cured, and a step in which the gap between the mold and the substrate is increased, after the pattern forming layer is cured. Further, the alignment control is stopped after the alignment control is started, and at least one of before and after the mold contacts the pattern forming layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shingo Okushima, Nobuhito Suehira, Junichi Seki, Kazuyuki Kasumi
  • Patent number: 9573320
    Abstract: A method, for repairing a discrepant weld in a workpiece arrangement including at least two workpieces, comprising positioning a mechanical intermediary adjacent the discrepant weld and inserting the intermediary through the discrepant weld and into at least a distal workpiece of the two workpieces, wherein upon insertion, a proximate surface of the intermediary is exposed at a proximate side of the workpiece arrangement. The method further includes delivering weld energy to the intermediary. The intermediary is configured, and the weld energy provided, so that energy passes through the intermediary in a pre-determined manner. Energy passing through the intermediary in the pre-determined manner generates heat in material of the workpieces causing the material to melt at an arrangement interface. The method further comprises allowing or causing the material melted to cool, wherein the melted material, when cooled, forms and/or strengthens a robust joint connecting the workpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Pei-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 9573321
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preparing a layer of an object being fabricated by a three-dimensional printing process. Embodiments of the invention combine selective deposition with selective curing to benefit from the respective advantages of both techniques. Multiple printing heads deposit a two-dimensional cross section of the object being fabricated on a substrate which is transparent to curing radiation. The multiple printing heads selectively deposit different object body materials in different regions of the cross section and also selectively deposit regions of support material as necessary. The transparent substrate is then moved into registration with the object being fabricated so that the new layer is in contact with the object body, and an ultraviolet two-dimensional image of the cross section is projected through the substrate to selectively cure the new layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: STRATASYS LTD.
    Inventors: Mordechai Teicher, Gershon Miller
  • Patent number: 9573322
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to orthopedic implants and methods of rapid manufacturing orthopedic implants using in vivo data specific to an orthopedic implant or orthopedic trial. Specifically, the instant disclosure utilizes permanent orthopedic implants and orthopedic trials (collectively, “implants”) outfitted with kinematic sensors to provide feedback regarding the kinematics or implant to discern which implant is preferable, and thereafter rapid manufacturing the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Ray C. Wasielewski
  • Patent number: 9573323
    Abstract: A method for generating data for a support structure to be built with a deposition-based digital manufacturing system, the method comprising generating a convex hull polygon based on a boundary polygon of a layer of the support structure, offsetting the convex hull polygon inward, offsetting the boundary polygon outward, and generating an intersection boundary polygon based at least in part on the offset boundary polygon and the offset convex hull polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik K. Heide
  • Patent number: 9573324
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a dense, well bonded solid material from a powder may include consolidating the powder utilizing any suitable consolidation method, such as explosive shockwave consolidation. The systems and methods may also include a post-processing thermal treatment that exploits a mismatch between the coefficients of thermal expansion between the consolidated material and the container. Due to the mismatch in the coefficients, internal pressure on the consolidated material during the heat treatment may be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TXL GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: David Charles Nemir, Edward S. Rubio, Jan Bastian Beck
  • Patent number: 9573325
    Abstract: A mold shell for forming a wind turbine blade (20) comprises at least two mold shell sections (401, 402) each having a mold surface with a recessed portion (419, 420) adjoining the connecting edges (407, 408) between the mold shell sections. A bridging sheet (421) is accommodated in the recessed portions (419, 420) of the mold shell sections (401, 402). The bridging sheet (421) fills up the recessed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Olav Davis, Mohana Krishna Dhamodharan, Damien Rajasingam, Glenn Thomas
  • Patent number: 9573326
    Abstract: A kit for inflating and repairing inflatable articles, in particular tires, the kit having a compressor assembly, a container of sealing liquid and connectors for connecting the container to the compressor assembly and to an inflatable article for repair or inflation; the compressor assembly being housed in an outer casing defining a seat for the container of sealing liquid. The container is housed removably in the seat and functionally connected to the compressor assembly so as to form a compact unit ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TEK GLOBAL S.R.L.
    Inventor: Maurizio Marini
  • Patent number: 9573327
    Abstract: The present invention is a process for performing a planarization treatment of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). The process includes positioning a first substrate onto a support surface of a planarization tool. The process further includes placing at least one layer of PSA onto the first substrate. The process further includes positioning a second substrate onto the layer(s) of PSA. The process further includes applying a pressure to the second substrate via a flexible membrane, said pressure being applied in a generally uniform, unidirectional and localized manner. Further, the applied pressure flattens the PSA between the first substrate and the second substrate for promoting suitability of the PSA for use in rigid-to-rigid lamination processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Sampica, Paul R. Nemeth, Tracy J. Barnidge, Vincent P. Marzen
  • Patent number: 9573328
    Abstract: Intraocular implants and methods of making intraocular implants are provided. The intraocular implant can include a mask adapted to increase depth of focus. The method of manufacturing the implant can include positioning the mask with an aperture on a protruding pin of a positioning mold portion. The protruding pin can be configured to center the mask in the intraocular lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: AcuFocus, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam C. Reboul, Patrick H. Benz, R. Kyle Webb
  • Patent number: 9573329
    Abstract: Resin compositions, layers, and interlayers comprising two or more thermoplastic polymers and at least one RI balancing agent for adjusting the refractive index of at least one of the resins or layers is provided. Such compositions, layers, and interlayers exhibit enhanced optical properties while retaining other properties, such as impact resistance and acoustic performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Solutia Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Lu, Zhou Li
  • Patent number: 9573330
    Abstract: The subject invention includes methods and apparatus for joining treads. Such methods include the step of providing a first tread portion and a second tread portion for forming a joined tread, each tread portion comprising a section of tire tread extending lengthwise from a terminal end. Additional steps include providing a first fixture configured to retain the first tread portion and a second fixture configured to retain the second tread portion and securing the first tread portion into the first fixture and securing the second tread portion into the second fixture, each of the first and second fixtures being arranged within the first and second fixtures such that the terminal end of each tread portion is in communication with a joining side of each fixture. The methods further include directing the terminal ends towards each other and into forceful engagement with an elastomeric joining material arranged between the terminal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Chinglin Pan, David Chan Wah Lung, Michael D. Petrovich
  • Patent number: 9573331
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) infused mesh material that is molded to form at least a portion of a shoe. The TPU infused mesh may be formed as an upper, a portion of sole or other components of a shoe. The TPU infused mesh is formed, in an exemplary embodiment, through the application of liquid TPU to a surface of a spacer mesh. The liquid TPU infused spacer mesh is then cured, cut to a pattern, and heat molded to form a desired portion of the shoe. The heat molded TPU mesh is coupled to other portions of the shoe (e.g., sole) to form an article footwear in an exemplary embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Converse Inc.
    Inventor: Sean M. McDowell
  • Patent number: 9573332
    Abstract: Exemplary presses, e.g., for applying indicia to garments by application of heat, are disclosed. For example, a press may include an upper platen, and a lower platen disposed below and generally aligned with the upper platen. The press may further include a support head adapted to move the upper platen between an open position, wherein the upper and lower platens are spaced away from one another, and a closed position, wherein the upper platen is pressed against the lower platen. Exemplary presses may further include a stand supporting the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Stahls' Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin B. Robinson, Michael Bendis, Brian Sukaraukoff
  • Patent number: 9573333
    Abstract: A double-acting apparatus and method for manufacturing metal scrap compression materials, in which a variety of shapes of collected metal scrap are compressed into pieces having a standardized shape such that they can be directly loaded into a blast furnace, thereby enhancing productivity. Two compression chambers are disposed at both sides of a first compression cylinder such that metal scrap is loaded into the compression chambers. In particular, when one of first press plates moves forward inside a first compression space of one of the compression chambers, the other one of the first press plates moves backward and returns to an idle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Tae Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9573334
    Abstract: Provided is a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) device (1) that can efficiently cool a hot zone during HIP processing while restraining temperatures in the lower part of a high-pressure container. This HIP device (1) is provided with the following: gas-impermeable casings (3, 4) that surround an object to be processed (W); a heating unit (7) that is disposed inside these casings and forms a hot zone around the object to be processed (W); a high-pressure container (2); and a cooling unit that guides a pressure-medium gas cooled on the outside of the casings into the hot zone to cool the hot zone. The cooling unit comprises the following: a gas introduction unit that introduces the pressure-medium gas that has been cooled on the outside of the casings (3, 4) into the hot zone; and a cooling promotion unit (37) that cools the pressure medium gas by causing the pressure-medium gas that has been cooled on the outside of the casings to exchange heat with a base (11) of the high-pressure container (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomomitsu Nakai, Katsumi Watanabe, Makoto Yoneda
  • Patent number: 9573335
    Abstract: Provided in a quick coupling system for fastening an interchangeable head to a pressing tool is a securing arrangement. The pressing tool has a press ram, which is movable in an axial direction, for actuating a pressing device in the interchangeable head. The quick coupling system has no thread and has either a bayonet closure or a securing arrangement having radially displaceable securing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: VON ARX AG
    Inventors: Beat Schweizer, Martin Moritz
  • Patent number: 9573336
    Abstract: Feedstock is delivered perpendicular to the line of applied glue in an automated gluing machine, thereby simplifying operation and better accommodating other in-line factory or assembly processes. The machine comprises an input nip for receiving the head end and the tail end of a sheet stock in overlapping registration, with the tail end being longer than the head end. A clamp mechanism holds the overlapping sheet stock in position while a glue applicator applies glue to one side of the tail end. An output nip holds the glued side of the tail end against the head end, and apparatus is provided for ejecting the sheet stock once the tail end has been glued to the head end. The glued stock may be ejected back toward the operator or away from the operator and through the machine, enabling the machine to be placed in-line with other machines for a continuous directional or linear flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Greg Magnell, Jeffrey Willers, David G. Flessert
  • Patent number: 9573337
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deep-drawing packaging machine and to a method of operating such a deep-drawing packaging machine, comprising a lifting device for a workstation, wherein a lower tool part connected to a stand and an upper tool part connected to a frame are coupled to each other and driven by a motor such that both tools may at least partially move together towards a film web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Streitenberger, Elmar Ehrmann, Robert Maier
  • Patent number: 9573338
    Abstract: A composite panel includes a honeycomb core sandwiched by a pair of skins that are attached directly to the core with no separate adhesive layer. The skins are impregnated with a resin material that is unevenly distributed between first and second surfaces, and direct contact is established between the surfaces with the greater resin distribution and the core, reducing weight and eliminating the manufacturing step of incorporating an adhesive layer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: Alvin S. Bartolome
  • Patent number: 9573339
    Abstract: Asymmetric expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes that contain multiple layers of ePTFE where at least one layer of ePTFE has a microstructure different from the microstructure of a second ePTFE layer. In exemplary embodiments, the asymmetric membrane contains a first ePTFE layer that has an “open” microstructure and a second ePTFE layer that has a less open, or “tight” microstructure. A third ePTFE layer having an “open” microstructure may be positioned on the second ePTFE layer. The asymmetric membranes possess print durability and are both abrasion resistant and air permeable. Additionally, printed asymmetric ePTFE membranes demonstrate low gloss. A textile may be affixed to the asymmetric membrane such that the first ePTFE layer is the outer surface of the laminate. Laminates containing the asymmetric membrane are sufficiently durable against abrasion so that articles of apparel having an exterior film surface remain liquidproof after an abrasion challenge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Hodgins, Justin J. Skaife, David J. Luber
  • Patent number: 9573340
    Abstract: A composite fabric comprises perforated expanded low density polyethylene foam that is mechanically attached to two opposing facing layers, at least one of which outer facing layers is a non-woven material. The mechanical attachment of the perforated expanded low density polyethylene foam layer to the outer facing layers may be through stitching or quilting; through adhesive; or through thermal bonding. The composite fabric provides a textile with exceptional buoyancy, cold-resistant and water-resistant properties and which can be easily handled by conventional textile manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE DESIGNS INC.
    Inventor: Joseph Riccelli
  • Patent number: 9573341
    Abstract: A laminated composite part includes a first member comprising a predetermined mating surface, and a second member that is made of an elastically deformable resin material, that comprises a plate-like portion substantially parallel to the mating surface and including a multiplicity of protrusions formed integrally with the plate-like portion, and that is set on the first member such that the protrusions contact the mating surface. The multiplicity of protrusions are formed so as to spread all over the plate-like portion, and a deformation guide portion is provided for each protrusion in a region of the mating surface the tip end of the protrusion contacts, so that when the protrusion is pressed, the deformation guide portion causes the tip end of the protrusion to slide and move along the mating surface in one direction determined for each protrusion and flexurally deforms the protrusion in the one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Miyashita
  • Patent number: 9573342
    Abstract: Bags, such as L-sewn bags and multi-substrate bags, are formed at least in part from an open mesh material that includes filaments that intersect one another. At least some of the filaments are composite filaments having a carrier portion of a relatively high melting point and a bonding portion of a relatively low melting point, the bonding portion of each composite filament being thermally bonded to other filaments at points of intersection. The material may be a non-woven fabric that contains at least two layers of weft filaments that may be bordered on one or both sides by a layer of warp filaments. When compared to other open mesh materials, the open mesh material disclosed herein has a superior combination of some or all of high strength, light weight, high dimensional stability, and openness. Also disclosed herein are methods of making and using such bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Volm Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Frei, Corbett Hefner, Friedrich Landertshamer, Alan Mueller
  • Patent number: 9573343
    Abstract: A building panel (1) including a water resistant core (5) including thermoplastic material 21 and a surface layer (4) including thermosetting resins. Also, production methods to form a board material (1?) with a dry blend of thermoplastic particles 21a in powder form and fillers in powder form and to apply a surface layer (4) with a hot-hot lamination process to a core (5) including such board material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CERALOC INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Darko Pervan
  • Patent number: 9573344
    Abstract: A process for enhancing the gas barrier properties of a composite laminate material whilst maintaining adequate bond strength, in which a gas barrier coating comprising a clay dispersion and a polymer solution or dispersion is positioned between two flexible plastics films using an adhesive, wherein a coating is applied to a first flexible polymer film at a coating weight (D), an adhesive is applied to either or both of the coated side of the first film or to a second polymer film and adhering the first and second films together to provide a material in which: (A/B). (C/D)>200, and in which: A/B>75; C>1.0; and D<1.5; wherein: A=Oxygen Transmission Rate for the laminate at 23 0C and 50% RH without the coating; B=Oxygen Transmission Rate for the laminate at 23 0C and 50% RH with the coating; C=Bond Strength in N/15 mm after the adhesive has fully cured; D=Coating Weight in g/m2 (dry).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sun Chemical B.V.
    Inventors: Derek R. Illsley, Graham T. Street