Patents Issued in November 30, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170341267
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for extruding and pelletising a propylene copolymer. The copolymer has a content of comonomer from 5 to 40% by mole, a melt flow rate MFR2 measured at 230° C. under a load of 2.16 kg of from 0.5 to 15 g/10 min and a content of cold xylene soluble material of from 20 to 60% by weight. The process comprises extruding the propylene copolymer through a die plate into an underwater pelletiser and cutting strands of the propylene copolymer into pellets in the underwater pelletiser, wherein the ratio of the mass flow rate of the propylene copolymer to the mass flow rate of the cooling water is from 0.020 to 0.060; and the propylene copolymer comprises a polymeric nucleating agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Martina SANDHOLZER, Klaus BERNREITNER, Hermann BRAUN, Hermann PROKSCHI, Ulrich SCHREIDER, Frank SCHRODER, Thomas HAGER, Katja KLIMKE, Markus GAHLEITNER
  • Publication number: 20170341268
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing a long glass fibre-reinforced thermoplastic polymer composition, comprising the sequential steps of a) unwinding continuous glass multifilament strand containing at most 2% by mass of a sizing composition; b) applying from 0.5 to 20% by mass of an impregnating agent to form an impregnated continuous multifilament strand; and c) applying a sheath of thermoplastic polymer around the impregnated continuous multifilament strand to form a sheathed continuous multifilament strand, wherein the impregnating agent is non-volatile, has a melting point of at least 20° C. below the melting point of the thermoplastic matrix, has a viscosity of from 2.5 to 100 cS at application temperature, and is compatible with the thermoplastic polymer to be reinforced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Maria Soliman, Ramon Hubertus Anna Maria Meijers, Joseph Paulus Hubertus Boyens, Johannes Henricus Theodorus Daalmans
  • Publication number: 20170341269
    Abstract: A polymer composition comprises a thermoplastic polymer, a polymer additive selected from the group consisting of nucleating agents, clarifying agents, and combinations thereof, and a fluoropolymer. A molded article comprises at least one wall defining a cavity, the wall having an opening therein permitting access to the cavity. The wall comprises a polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a polymer additive selected from the group consisting of nucleating agents, clarifying agents, and combinations thereof, and a fluoropolymer. A method for molding a polymer composition is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Bart R. Gabriels, Daan P. Vanwynsberghe, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Publication number: 20170341270
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology may include a method of making a thermoplastic composite strand. The method may include melting a reactive thermoplastic resin to form a molten reactive resin. The method may also include fully impregnating a plurality of continuous fibers with the molten reactive resin in an impregnation device. The method may further include polymerizing the molten reactive resin to form a thermoplastic resin matrix. In addition, the method may include cooling the thermoplastic resin matrix to form a thermoplastic composite strand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Mingfu Zhang, Asheber Yohannes, Michael Block, Klaus Friedrich Gleich, Daniel P. De Kock, Jawed Asrar
  • Publication number: 20170341271
    Abstract: A process for forming a moldable, uncured nonwoven composite containing forming a structural nonwoven layer, at least partially impregnating the structural nonwoven layer with an uncured, water-based thermosetting resin having a cure temperature of at least about 160° C., and at least partially drying the uncured, wet nonwoven composite such that the temperature at the inner plane is less than about 130° C. forming an moldable, uncured composite. The structural nonwoven layer contains a plurality of bi-component binder fibers and a plurality of reinforcing fibers, the bi-component fibers containing a core and a sheath. The core contains a polymer having a melting temperature of at least about 180° C. and the sheath contains a polymer having a melting temperature less than about 180 ° C. A process for forming a molded, cured composite containing forming a structural nonwoven layer and a molded cured nonwoven composite are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Kirkland W. Vogt, Pradipkumar Bahukudumbi
  • Publication number: 20170341272
    Abstract: A process for forming a moldable, uncured nonwoven composite containing forming a outermost nonwoven layer, forming a structural nonwoven layer, needling the structural nonwoven layer and the outermost nonwoven layer together from both the outer surface of the outermost nonwoven layer and the second surface of the structural nonwoven layer, applying an uncured, water-based thermosetting resin having a cure temperature of at least about 160° C. to the second surface of the structural nonwoven layer, and at least partially drying the uncured, wet nonwoven composite. Heat and pressure may be applied to form the moldable, uncured composite. A moldable, uncured nonwoven composite and a molded, cured nonwoven composite are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Kirkland W. Vogt, Pradipkumar Bahukudumbi
  • Publication number: 20170341273
    Abstract: A process for forming a moldable, uncured nonwoven composite containing forming a structural nonwoven layer, at least partially impregnating the structural nonwoven layer with an uncured, water-based thermosetting resin having a cure temperature of at least about 160° C., and at least partially drying the uncured, wet nonwoven composite. The structural nonwoven layer contains a plurality of binder fibers and a plurality of reinforcing fibers which are cellulosic fibers. Heat and pressure are applied to the moldable, uncured composite to a temperature of at least about 160° C. at least partially melting the binder fibers, curing the water-based thermosetting resin, and bonding at least a portion of the reinforcing fibers to other reinforcing fibers forming the molded, cured composite. The reinforcing fibers react with and form covalent bonds with the thermosetting resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Kirkland W. Vogt, Pradipkumar Bahukudumbi
  • Publication number: 20170341274
    Abstract: A device for coating a thread with a coating material includes a housing, a die body, and a supply line for the coating material. The housing includes a support and a cover mounted on the support, delimiting a chamber. The die body is installed in the chamber, between the support and the cover. The die body includes a lower part and an upper part, with a calibrated die channel being located between the lower and upper parts. Between the support and the cover are an inlet through passage and an outlet through passage. The inlet and outlet passages and the die channel are aligned, so that a thread is able to be passed longitudinally therethrough. The supply line for the coating material includes a lower outlet end located close to the thread, between the inlet or upstream through passage and the die channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: MARC SEBE, ANTONIO DELFINO, GABRIEL LIMAT
  • Publication number: 20170341275
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a casting cup assembly comprising frontcurve and basecurve molds which of which includes a ring that circumscribes the respective concave and convex mold surface. When the casting cup is assembled, the rings align and minimize de-centering and tilting of the concave and convex mold surfaces which, in turn, reduces edge defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent H. Barre, Scott F. Ansell, Gregory L. Berckmiller, Timothy Burkill, Mark McConnell
  • Publication number: 20170341276
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a casting cup assembly comprising frontcurve and basecurve molds which of which includes a ring that circumscribes the respective concave and convex mold surface. When the casting cup is assembled, the rings align and minimize de-centering and tilting of the concave and convex mold surfaces which, in turn, reduces edge defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent H. Barre, Scott F. Ansell, Gregory L. Berckmiller, Timothy Burkill, Mark McConnell
  • Publication number: 20170341277
    Abstract: Particular embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for compensating for shrinkage of a polymeric material in a mold during curing operations. Embodiments of the method include providing a mold comprising a molding cavity defining an interior mold volume separated from an exterior environment and introducing a volume of polymeric material into the molding cavity. Such methods further include impeding the development of a void in the volume of polymeric material by, either: isolating the volume of polymeric material within the molding cavity from the exterior environment, or reducing the interior mold volume of the molding cavity to at least substantially consume a volume of polymeric material shrinkage. Such methods further include curing the polymeric material to form a molded polymeric form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Brian WILSON, Jim ENDICOTT, Chad LANE, Clay BOHN
  • Publication number: 20170341278
    Abstract: A system for forming stacked material includes a housing defining an interior space. The housing includes a bottom wall and a side wall coupled to the bottom wall. At least one tool is configured to shape the stacked material. The at least one tool is disposed within the interior space. A membrane extends at least partially over the bottom wall and is spaced a distance from the bottom wall. The membrane is configured to move towards the bottom wall. At least one intensifier mechanism is disposed in the interior space and is configured to induce a force against a portion of the stacked material and against the at least one tool as the membrane is moved towards the bottom wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Sultan Shair, Martin Petersen, Andreas Lutz, Krishnan Balaji Thattai Parthasarathy, Stefaan Guido Van Nieuwenhove, Thomas Kluge, James Duvall Bollacker, Anja Lena Nieratschker
  • Publication number: 20170341279
    Abstract: A molding tool and method for producing an interior trim part. A cavity is embodied between a first element and a second element, and a slide is displaceably connected to the first element. A decorative layer is arranged on the first element and a backing is arranged on the second element. A foamable mixture is added to the hollow area between the backing and a reverse side of the decorative layer, such that a foam layer fills the hollow area. A distance between the first element and the second element is increased to enlarge the hollow area. During this process, the slide is pressed against a side facing away from the reverse side of the decorative layer, such that the hollow area is sealed with the reverse side of the decorative layer pressed against a lateral surface of the backing and/or against a lateral surface of the second element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Bernhard Baumann, Hugo Bonvalet, Othmane Faik, Lionel Hafer, Alain Julien, Jean Ruiz, Michael Walter
  • Publication number: 20170341280
    Abstract: Provided are a porous structure and a method of fabricating the same. The porous structure may include an aluminum oxide containing at least one of fluorine and phenyl group. For example, the porous structure may be formed from alumina which contains fluorine or phenyl group. The method of fabricating the porous structure may include preparing an aluminum precursor including at least one of fluorine and phenyl group; providing a precursor solution by mixing the precursor with a solvent; and forming the porous structure having 3-dimensional network structure including the aluminum oxide containing the at least one of fluorine and phenyl group from the precursor solution through gelation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Hyung Ho Park, Hee Yoon Chung, Hae Noo Ree Jung, Tae Won Lee
  • Publication number: 20170341281
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a deep draw microcellularly foamed polymeric container comprising a polymeric sidewall integrally connected to a polymeric base along a bottom edge. The polymeric sidewall and base are contiguous with each other and define a shape of an open top container. The polymeric sidewall and base have a contiguous inner microcellular foam structure (having average cell diameters ranging from about 5 to about 100 microns) surrounded by a smooth outer skin layer integrally connected therewith. The polymeric sidewall defines a container height and a top opening, wherein the top opening defines a top opening width, and wherein the polymeric base defines a container base width, and wherein the area defined by the top opening is greater than the area defined by the polymeric base, and wherein the ratio of the container height (h) to the top opening width (w) is greater than about 1:1 (h:w).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: GREGORY L. BRANCH
  • Publication number: 20170341282
    Abstract: To form a multilayer plastic lens, a plurality of intermediate layers of a plastic material are injected one after another onto a basic part in an injection molding device in different cavities, wherein at least some of the cavities have a common first runner system with a common material feed. At least its [sic—“one”—“seine” is an obvious typo for “eine” meaning “one”—Tr.Ed.] outer layer consisting of a plastic material is then injected in a cavity by means of a second runner system, the second runner system having a material feed of its own and a control of its own.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: GEBR. KRALLMANN GMBH
    Inventor: Rainer KRALLMANN
  • Publication number: 20170341283
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting a position of an actuator piston driving a valve pin in an injection molding system. The apparatus includes an actuator housing having a body portion, surrounding an axial bore, of a substantially non-magnetic and/or magnetically permeable material, a piston, movable within the axial bore for driving a valve pin, the piston including a magnetic member generating a magnetic field such that axial movement of the piston in the bore modifies the magnetic field according to the position of the piston relative to a detection position, and a magnetic field detector attached to an exterior surface of the body portion at the detection position for detecting the magnetic field associated with the position of the piston and generating an output signal determined by the piston position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Zhuang Rui Tan, Lin Yang
  • Publication number: 20170341284
    Abstract: The present invention is a strip of a thermoplastic elastomer composition to be wound spirally on a cylindrical drum to form an inner liner for a tire. The strip is composed of a layer stack of a first layer made of a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing 0.1 part by mass to 50 parts by mass of an organic derivative of clay mineral relative to 100 parts by mass of a styrene-isobutylene-styrene triblock copolymer, and a second layer made of a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing at least one of a styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer and a styrene-isobutylene diblock copolymer. The strip has a strip main body with a thickness of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm and ear portions with a thickness thinner than the thickness of the strip main body and a width of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm disposed on opposite sides thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoji IMOTO, Mutsuki SUGIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170341285
    Abstract: Provided is a blow-molding method capable of suppressing generation of blister-like bubbles and producing a high quality hollow molded article when forming a thick hollow molded article by blow-molding. A blow-molding method includes setting a die-slit interval in a die head according to a target wall thickness of a hollow molded article to be molded, extruding a molten resin in an accumulator into a cylindrical shape from the die slit to form a parison, and molding the parison in a mold. The die-slit interval is made smaller than a value set according to the target wall thickness at start of extrusion, and then is increased to match the value set according to the target wall thickness. The value set according to the target wall thickness is preferably corrected considering wall thickness reduction due to drawdown. The wall thickness of the hollow molded article is preferably 3.5 mm or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Kyoraku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki ONODERA
  • Publication number: 20170341286
    Abstract: A molding apparatus includes: a die; a core disposed at the inner side of the die; a slider housed in a die recess provided in the die; a rod having a leading end portion housed in a slider recess formed in a face of the slider, the leading end portion of the rod being unconnected with the slider; and a movement mechanism, the die including a wall portion that forms part of an inner wall of the die recess, and the slider recess having a shape that widens on progression toward an outer side in a radial direction of the die or that runs along a radial direction of the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, PLACO CO., LTD., TOYOTA PRODUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya SHIMOKAWA, Takashi IMAI, Kaoru SHIMOMURA
  • Publication number: 20170341287
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for producing sterile receptacles (2), comprising: a moulding unit (13) for moulding parisons (4) starting from granules of thermoplastic material; a stretch-blowing forming unit (3) in aseptic conditions which receives the parisons (4) from the moulding unit (13); a plurality of picking organs (14, 15) of the parisons (4) which are operatively active only on the neck (4b) of the parisons (4) for handling and transferring them inside the apparatus (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Paolo PAGLIARINI, Luigi CASAPPA
  • Publication number: 20170341288
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including: a) inserting a plastic parison including two distinct parts into an open two-cavity mold; b) inserting a core, bearing at least part of a reinforcing element configured to create a link between the two parison parts, inside the parison; c) pressing the parison firmly against the mold cavities, for example by blowing through the core and/or creating suction behind the cavities; d) fixing the part of the reinforcing element to at least one of the parison parts using the core; e) withdrawing the core; f) closing the mold, bringing its two cavities together to grip the two parison parts around their periphery to weld them together; g) injecting a pressurized fluid into the mold and/or creating a vacuum behind the mold cavities to press the parison firmly against the mold cavities; and h) opening the mold and extracting the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Stephane Leonard, Thierry Ferracin, Frederic Jannot
  • Publication number: 20170341289
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented. A portion is cut from a thermoplastic sheet of a first thermoplastic material based on a three dimensional model. The portion is secured to a mold. The portion and the mold are heated under vacuum to form a structure. The structure may take the form of a protective covering. In some illustrative examples, the mold may be formed of a second thermoplastic material based on the three dimensional model using additive manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew Roy Hackett, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170341290
    Abstract: A plastic sheet for manufacturing of a plurality of smart cards which respectively include a plurality of electronic units, includes a first sheet formed of a first material having a first hardness or a first Vicat softening temperature, the first sheet including a plurality of apertures and/or cavities. The plastic sheet includes a second material having, when the first material has the first hardness, a second hardness lower than the first hardness, and when the first material has the first Vicat softening temperature, a second Vicat softening temperature lower than the first Vicat softening temperature, the second material being located inside the apertures and/or cavities in the first sheet. The apertures and/or cavities with the second material located inside the apertures and/or cavities are configured to respectively receive said electronic units via an at least partial penetration from the electronic units into the second material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Nagravision S.A.
    Inventor: Francois DROZ
  • Publication number: 20170341291
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing a process by which printed rolls of substrate material web have additional material layers interleaved between the rolled material web layers to substantially eliminate back transfer or roll offset of printed images on the back sides of the rolled material substrates. In a process for pre-printing thermoforming grade plastic materials to produce rolls of substrate material for use in a thermoforming process, ink compositions, particularly adapted for the thermoforming process, are deposited on substantially continuous webs of substrate material. The webs of substrate material are then re-rolled with separate layers of low surface energy substrate material interleaved between the layers of the printed substrate material in order to substantially eliminate imaging defects produced by back transfer of printed images on to the backs of layers of the printed substrate material stored in rolls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Robert MOORE, Alexander J. FIORAVANTI, Xin YANG
  • Publication number: 20170341292
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat-resistant glue roll structure with discharge through holes, which comprises a shaft sleeved with a high-temperature resistance insulation layer on the surface thereof. Multiple discharge through holes are formed on the high-temperature resistance insulation layer and communicate the outer and inner surface of the high-temperature resistant insulation layer. A heat-resistant soft glue outer layer is also sleeved on the surface of the high-temperature resistant insulation layer. Since the high-temperature resistant insulation layer is provided with the discharge through holes in the present invention, air bubbles generated both between the high-temperature resistant insulation layer and the heat-resistant soft glue outer layer and between the high-temperature resistant insulation layer and the shaft would be squeezed to move towards the discharge through holes and discharged therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Yongjun CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170341293
    Abstract: A three-dimensional object manufacturing method includes a 3D object forming step of forming a three-dimensional object by discharging a UV curing type ink, and then carrying out UV irradiation on the discharged ink to form a layer, and overlapping a plurality of the layers (S101); a support material removing step of removing a support material from the three-dimensional object (S102), and a siloxane applying step of applying an organopolysiloxane solution for suppressing whitening of a surface of the three-dimensional object on the surface of the three-dimensional object (S104), where the organopolysiloxane solution is a solution having alcohol for making the support material transparent as a solvent, and having the organopolysiloxane compound for forming a film on the surface of the three-dimensional object by the drying of alcohol as a solute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicants: MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD., GRAPHIC CREATION Co.,Ltd.
    Inventor: HIROFUMI HARA
  • Publication number: 20170341294
    Abstract: Methods are provided for printing a three-dimensional structural component onto a base. For example, a method of printing is provided, including receiving a set of predetermined thicknesses for the three-dimensional structural component. The set of predetermined thicknesses has a first thickness and a second thickness. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The method further includes instructing a printing device to print a single layer for the three-dimensional structural component using the set of predetermined thicknesses. The method further includes printing a first portion of the single layer onto the base so that the first portion has the first thickness. The method further includes printing a second portion of the single layer onto the base so that the second portion has the second thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20170341295
    Abstract: A printhead maintenance module is configured as a replaceable unit. The module includes a frame, at least two rollers detachably mounted within the frame, at least two electric motors, a platen, an optical sensor, and a controller. Each electric motor is operatively connected to one of the rollers in a one-to-one correspondence. The controller is configured to operate one of the electric motors to rotate one of the rollers to move media from a position opposite a printhead where a test pattern is printed on the media to a position opposite the optical sensor, receive image data of the printed test pattern generated by the optical sensor, and identify inoperative ejectors with reference to the image data of the test pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Erwin Ruiz, Paul M. Fromm, Jeffrey N. Swing, James J. Spence, Mark A. Atwood
  • Publication number: 20170341296
    Abstract: Methods of printing a three-dimensional object using co-reactive components are disclosed. Thermosetting compositions for three-dimensional printing are also enclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: David R. Fenn, Kurt G. Olson, Reza M. Rock, Cynthia Kutchko, Susan F. Donaldson, Hao Sun, Orlando Rios, William G. Carter
  • Publication number: 20170341297
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of manufacturing a ceramic article. The methods may include providing a liquid-state pre-ceramic polymer component, disposing the liquid-state pre-ceramic polymer component on a support, curing the liquid-state pre-ceramic polymer component, and subjecting the pre-ceramic polymer to pyrolysis. Apparatuses and systems for manufacturing a ceramic article also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Chengying Xu, Amanda Schrand
  • Publication number: 20170341298
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a structure includes, in this order: providing a layer constituted by a support member and a modeling layer by bringing a regulating surface of a regulating member into contact with the modeling layer provided on a surface of an intermediate transfer member, pouring a material for the support member which becomes the support member to fill the periphery of the modeling layer while the regulating surface abutting the modeling layer, and solidifying the material for the support member; removing the regulating member from the layer constituted by the support member and the modeling layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Hiroshi Taniuchi, Kazuhiro Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20170341299
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sintering system for manufacturing a three-dimensional object from sinterable powder. The system comprises a build chamber with a movable floor and four walls, an energy assembly disposed above the build chamber and which comprises at least one energy source adapted to emit an energy beam. The system further comprises a feeding assembly connected to the build chamber for providing sinterable powder to the build chamber and a powder distribution device connected to the feeding assembly for distributing sinterable powder in the build chamber. The build chamber further comprises at least one opening in at least one wall, below which the movable floor can be lowered, and a pneumatic assembly connected to the build chamber for transporting powder away from the build chamber through the at least one opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Robert KNIOLA, Henrik LUNDGREN
  • Publication number: 20170341300
    Abstract: An additive printer dispenses filament having high volume content of axial reinforcing fibers impregnated with a partially cured thermoset material. Partial curing provides sufficient mechanical integrity for high-density fiber support and retention while maintaining tackiness necessary to allow layer by layer additive construction. The complete construction may then be heated to provide complete curing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Natalie Rudolph, Thomas W. Pfeifer, Thomas W. C. Laduch
  • Publication number: 20170341301
    Abstract: A composite filament for use in additive manufacturing such as fused filament fabrication is described along with methods of its construction and use. The composite filament includes a single continuous filament (e.g., a continuous carbon roving) and a polymer (e.g., a high glass transition polymer) in intimate contact. The composite filament is formed through immersion of the continuous filament in a solution of the polymer. The composite filament can be combined with an additional formation material in an additive manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Johannes Leonardus Van Tooren, Igor Luzinov, Nikolay Borodinov, Wout De Backer, Arturs Peteris Bergs
  • Publication number: 20170341302
    Abstract: A coating device arrangement 1 for a 3D printer 100 is described, comprising a coating device 3 having a carrier structure 21a to 21c and a container 17 fixed to the carrier structure, defining an inner cavity for receiving particulate construction material, which leads to an opening for outputting the particulate construction material, a vibration device 23 configured to vibrate particulate construction material received in the container and thereby to influence the discharge of construction material from the opening, and a stroking member 15a attached to the coating device, configured to stroke particulate construction material output from the opening to thereby level and/or compress the output particulate material, and/or a closing device 31 configured to selectively close the opening and comprising a closing member 31a attached to the coating device 3, wherein the stroking member 15a and/or the closing member 31a are fixed to the carrier structure to be vibration-decoupled from the vibration generated by
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Rainer Höchsmann, Alexander Müller, Sven Klaua
  • Publication number: 20170341303
    Abstract: A coating device arrangement 1 for a 3D printer is described, comprising a coating device 3 having a container 17 defining an inner cavity for receiving particulate construction material, which leads to an opening for outputting the particulate construction material onto a construction field, as well as a closing device 31 configured to selectively close the opening for outputting the particulate construction material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Rainer HÖCHSMANN, Alexander MÜLLER, Sven KLAUA
  • Publication number: 20170341304
    Abstract: A method and system for printing 3D structures using 2D monochromatic images (for example, greyscale images) is provided. The method can include instructing a printing device to print a 2D monochromatic image using print material in a reservoir known to contain a structural print material. Greater amounts of print material are printed in locations corresponding to relatively darker regions of the 2D monochromatic image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20170341305
    Abstract: A method of printing a three-dimensional color object having a contoured surface onto a substrate includes printing color ink layers and structural ink layers. A color ink layer is printed onto the substrate. Structural ink layers are printed onto the color ink layer to build the three-dimensional shape of the object. The contoured surface is formed from varying the heights of pixel columns in the printing information. The heights of the pixel columns may be varied by printing different numbers of layers in adjacent columns or by printing the same number of layers in adjacent columns where some pixels in a column have different thicknesses than other pixels in the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd W. Miller, Laurel Manville
  • Publication number: 20170341306
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for printing at least a portion of a three-dimensional (3D) object. The system may comprise a source of at least one feedstock, a support for supporting at least a portion of the 3D object, a feeder for directing at least one feedstock from the source towards the support, and a power supply for supplying electrical current. The system may comprise a controller operatively coupled to the power supply. The controller may receive a computational representation of the 3D object. The controller may direct the at least one feedstock through a feeder towards the support and may direct electrical current through the at least one feedstock and into the support. The controller may subject such feedstock to Joule heating such that at least a portion of such feedstock may deposit adjacent to the support, thereby printing the 3D object in accordance with the computational representation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Burke, Mateo Pena DOLL
  • Publication number: 20170341307
    Abstract: A method of heating a surface while fabricating a 3-D object is disclosed wherein a first temperature feedback signal from a first location on the surface is used to control the energy radiated by an energy source during a first stage of the fabrication process. A second temperature feedback signal from a second location on the surface is used to control the energy radiated by an energy source during a second stage of the fabrication process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Xavier Vilajosana, Alejandro Manuel De Pena, Sebastia Cortes i Herms
  • Publication number: 20170341308
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sonotrode for the ultrasonic welding of plastic components of an electronic cigarette. The sonotrode comprises: a body comprising a first end which can be connected to an ultrasound generator, and a second end; a cavity that develops from the second end towards the first end, for receiving at least partially a plastic component of an electronic cigarette to be welded. The cavity defines an opening at the second end of the body, communicating with the outside of the sonotrode. In particular, at the opening, the cross section of the cavity has an outline comprising: a first portion that has the shape of a first arc of a reference circumference, which comprises a first end and a second end, opposite each other; and a second portion, that has the shape of a second arc of said reference circumference, which comprises a first end and a second end, opposite each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Andre Lemay, Giovanni Madera, Carlo Moretti, Marco Mazzoni, Massimo Sartoni, Luca Federici
  • Publication number: 20170341309
    Abstract: A system for handling a first component includes: a main-device and a module-device, the module-device having a pressing section arranged to form an outer surface of the module-device, the module-device configured to releasably receive the first component, such that a connection section of the first component is attachable to the pressing section of the module-device. The module-device is releasably connected to a second component, wherein the main-device includes a grabbing unit adapted for releasably connecting the module-device, such that the pressing section is arranged to form a first outer surface section of the main-device, and wherein the main-device includes a connector for connecting to a handling-unit for arranging the main-device at the second component, such that the connection section of the first component, if attached to the pressing section of the module-device, is at least indirectly attachable to a front surface of the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Joachim PIEPENBROCK, Alexander ENGELS, Gregor GRAßL, Karsten GENSICKE, Klaus APEL
  • Publication number: 20170341310
    Abstract: A system for forming material includes a housing including at least one wall defining an interior space. The housing is configured to contain a pressurized fluid in the interior space. The system also includes at least one tool configured to shape the material. The at least one tool is movable along a path from a first position external to the housing to a second position at least partially within the interior space. The system further includes a membrane extending at least partially in the path of the at least one tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Krishnan Balaji Thattai Parthasarathy, James Duvall Bollacker, Matthew Harper Hockemeyer, Wade Walter Johanns, Shatil Sinha
  • Publication number: 20170341311
    Abstract: An installation for producing bags from two-layer plastic film includes a film gripper for drawing the plastic film into a tool at a first station, and a rotary conveyor belt for conveying the film through a plurality of stations. The film gripper is designed to guide the plastic film through the first station to a second station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: KIEFEL GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas WILHELM
  • Publication number: 20170341312
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a blade. The blade comprises subassemblies made of thermoplastic composite materials, each subassembly comprising an internal arrangement and at least one external arrangement, each internal arrangement comprising a stack of intermediate layers comprising reinforcing fibers impregnated with a semicrystalline thermoplastic matrix, each external arrangement comprising at least one surface layer comprising reinforcing fibers impregnated with an alloy of a semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer and of an amorphous thermoplastic polymer. An assembly film comprising an amorphous thermoplastic material and a ferromagnetic member is interposed between two surface layers of two distinct subassemblies that are to be assembled together by a method of local heating by induction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Patrick BOSCHET
  • Publication number: 20170341313
    Abstract: A process for the production of fiber composite hollow SMC components is provided. In the process an SMC-suitable semi-finished fiber composite material is arranged over or around a wash-removable salt core system. The semi-finished fiber composite material and core system are arranged in an SMC mold, followed by molding of an SMC component incorporating the semi-finished fiber composite material and core system. The wash-removable salt may then be removed by washing to result in an SMC component containing a hollow region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas MIADOWITZ, Markus REISS
  • Publication number: 20170341314
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for verifying the placement of tows by a robot. One embodiment includes a robot that includes an end effector that lays up tows, actuators that reposition the end effector, a memory storing a Numerical Control (NC) program, and a robot controller that directs the actuators to reposition the end effector based on the NC program, and instructs the end effector to lay up tows based on the NC program. The system also includes a sensor system comprising an imaging device that acquires images of the tows as the tows are laid-up, a measuring device that generates input as tows are laid-up by the end effector, and a sensor controller that receives images from the imaging device and the input from the measuring device, and updates stored data to correlate the images with instructions in the NC program, based on the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Anthony W Baker, Steven A Dorris, Christopher P Bellavia, Hugh L Taylor, Luke C Ingram, Kenny P Bowers
  • Publication number: 20170341315
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a deposition head provided with an assemblage comprising a of impregnated fibers arranged against a backing tape. The deposition head includes a slide and a movement actuator connected to the slide to move the slide in translation from a high position to a low position, said slide carrying a peeling roller, said backing tape extending over a circular arc against the peeling roller, said low position being configured so that said peeling roller presses said tape of impregnated fibers against a deposition surface only in the low position of the slide, said circular arc occupying a first angle in the low position of the slide and a second angle in the high position of the slide, said first angle being greater than said second angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventors: Andre AMARI, Guillaume DULAC, Philippe TARDIEU, Jacques GAFFIERO
  • Publication number: 20170341316
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to composite articles comprising non-linear elongated nanostructures and associated systems and methods. In certain embodiments, collections of carbon nanotubes or other elongated nanostructures can be used to provide mechanical reinforcement along multiple directions within a composite article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Saab AB
    Inventors: Brian L. Wardle, Pontus Nordin