With Encapsulating Of Permanently Fluent Material In Hollow Or Porous Lamina Or Filling Of Space Between Adhered Laminae Patents (Class 156/145)
  • Patent number: 4427474
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of air cell cushioning material, for protective cushioning purposes in packaging or other purposes, with the air cell product being formed from flexible, single stratum sheet of low density, low melting point thermoplastic, such as low density polyethylene film. The method and apparatus include an arrangement for cooling an embossed film on a rotatable forming drum to a predetermined temperature range prior to applying a sealing laminating film to the cooled embossed film, and are such that the apparatus can be halted in its operation without injurious effects to any substantial amount of the air cell product being produced, and can be restarted to again commence production of the air cell product. The apparatus and method utilize clear thermoplastic single stratum film, and result in an effective air cell cushioning product which possesses extremely good clarity even after the heating and pressure steps utilized in the production of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Gary W. Ottaviano
  • Patent number: 4422889
    Abstract: An optical fibre cable includes a generally cylindrical elongate central support structure with helical grooves formed around its periphery. The grooves (2) are partially filled with the compound (3) which is viscous at cable operation temperature. Said support structure (1) is then cooled to reversibly harden said compound (3). Optical fibres (4) are then layed in the grooves over the compound in its hard state. Lastly the grooves are topped up with viscous compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Les Cables de Lyon
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Trezeguet, Jean-Patrick Vives
  • Patent number: 4417936
    Abstract: A plastic web composes plural laminae mutually defining a multiplicity of gas-filled bubbles, the plastic web being formed so as to include printing on an exterior surface of the web. The printing is included in the plastic web in such a manner as to be an integral part of the web.Additionally disclosed are methods for manufacturing the above-described plastic web, the methods enabling the production of the plastic web with printing thereon to take place without engendering significant extra expense over and above the expense of creating a similar plastic web which does not include printing as an integral part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: Gafcel Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William Gaffney
  • Patent number: 4412879
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of thermoplastic film air cell cushioning product. The method and apparatus utilize as stock material flexible thermoplastic film formed of a composite of a stratum of relatively high density, high melting point thermoplastic and another stratum of relatively low density, low melting point thermoplastic bonded to the first mentioned stratum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Gary W. Ottaviano
  • Patent number: 4405701
    Abstract: A photomask (30) used to form patterns on a resist coated semiconductor wafer is comprised of a transparent baseplate (31) having a thin metallic pattern (32) thereon; a transparent, planar coverplate (33) in intimate contact with the patterned baseplate (31) and an index matching fluid (34) interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Assignee: Western Electric Co.
    Inventors: Edward L. Banks, Bruce E. Truax, Laurence S. Watkins
  • Patent number: 4401492
    Abstract: A method of making a mandrel for a breast prosthesis in which a negative cast is formed of the wearer's remaining breast and the area of the missing breast. A positive cast is formed of the negative cast and a model is made of the missing breast. A flexible mold is formed over the modeled breast and a portion of the positive cast. The flexible mold together with the molded breast are removed from the positive cast. An additional flexible mold is formed over the rear of the modeled breast to form a rear wall. The rear wall is removed and the modeled breast is discarded. The forward and rear walls are secured together to form a cavity. Fiberglass resin fill is inserted into the cavity and the resin is cured until it hardens to form the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Inventor: Arthur M. Pfrommer
  • Patent number: 4370194
    Abstract: Ordered liquids, or mesophases, are aligned by forming a structure on a substrate surface using a planar process of formation, the surface structure having a predetermined pattern, and applying a mesophase to the surface to substantially orient the molecules of the mesophase in accordance with the predetermined pattern. A liquid crystal display device can be made in which, in a preferred embodiment, the liquid crystal is confined between two substrates having oppositely disposed surfaces on which selected patterns of surface structures have been formed. The surface structures can be grating structures made of a conductive material, such as metal, which structures act to align the liquid crystal in accordance with the selected patterns, to polarize light passing through the surface structures, and to provide electrical contacts so that an electric signal applied thereto can produce an electric field in the region between the substrate surface structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: David C. Shaver, Henry I. Smith, Dale C. Flanders
  • Patent number: 4361643
    Abstract: A photomask (30) used to form patterns on a resist coated semiconductor wafer is comprised of a transparent baseplate (31) having a thin metallic pattern (32) thereon; a transparent, planar coverplate (33) in intimate contact with the patterned baseplate (31) and an index matching fluid (34) interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: Western Electric Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Banks, Bruce E. Truax, Laurence S. Watkins
  • Patent number: 4343665
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new method for manufacturing a SF.sub.6 pressurized gas continuous spacer cable, and improvements which reduce costs and improve quality control of high voltage cables. The conductor is passed through taping machines for surrounding the conductor with a continuous insulating spacer and through taping machines for applying a conducting shielding material which partially covers the spacer. The insulated and shielded cable is continued on in the same production line into conduit which is laid out horizontal in long lengths or is extruded loose-fit over the cable. The cable is then subjected to vacuum while in the conduit. Terminations are applied. Seals are tested for leaks. The cable is filled with SF.sub.6 gas to a high pressure. The cable is tested at 1.5 times its operating voltage to ground for 30 minutes without failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Inventor: Paul F. Pugh
  • Patent number: 4332634
    Abstract: A mehod of preparing a resealable valve which has a resealable inner core and an outer reinforced cover comprises first molding a hollow shell having a domed top and a bottom with a central opening, then turning the shell inside out and affixing a layer containing reinforcing fabric to the inside of the domed top, next turning the shell right side out and covering the bottom including the central opening with a layer containing reinforcing fabric to complete the cover, filling the thus formed cover with an uncured elastomer and finally curing the cover and its elastomer contents to form the resealable valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Assignee: Medical Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Steven M. Aperavich
  • Patent number: 4314865
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of air cell cushioning dunnage material, for protective cushioning purposes in packaging or other purposes, with the air cell product possessing substantial strength, and the ability to retain its original thickness under load. The method and apparatus are such that the apparatus can be halted in its operation without injurious effects to the dunnage product being produced, and can be restarted to again commence production of the cushioning dunnage product. The apparatus and method utilize flexible thermoplastic sheets or film of material, to produce the air cell product, with the plastic sheets being preferably formed of a composite of an intermediate stratum of relatively high density high melting point plastic, and exterior stratums of relatively low density, low melting point thermoplastic bonded to the intermediate stratum. Various other embodiments of flexible air cell sheeting are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventor: Gary W. Ottaviano
  • Patent number: 4313904
    Abstract: A container for liquids, preferably sterile liquids comprises a hollow body constructed of plastic material having a plurality of tubular ports integrally formed and extending therefrom. Each port has a quantity of plastic material integrally formed as a diaphragm within the port so as to seal the container. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the ports has a resealable septum sealed within it. The diaphragm is positioned between the septum and the liquid within the container so as to prevent deterioration of the resealable septum caused by exposure to the liquid. Both the resealable septum and the diaphragm are constructed of a material which is penetrable by a hypodermic needle for use in administering sterile solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Mark E. Larkin, Leonard J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 4268331
    Abstract: A fluid filled ring for a shaft sealing apparatus in a machine casing or container wall through which a rotatable shaft passes. The sealing apparatus comprises a housing fixed about its exterior surface to the machine casing. The housing defines an interior chamber in which one or more seals are positioned about the shaft. Each seal comprises a mechanical packing encircling and in contact with the shaft and an elastomeric compression ring positioned to encircle the mechanical packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Inventor: James N. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4262046
    Abstract: A protective structure is disclosed which provides a compound cushioning effect to impact-loading from an external source. The structure comprises a plurality of cells formed between two layers of plastic film material. The cells contain a sealed-in pneumatic substance which substantially surrounds a core of low density, plastic foam material. Vents may be provided through the layers' intermediate adjacent cells to provide for the flow of air. A cover of fabric material may be provided over the layers of plastic film material depending on the desired use of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Inventor: Frederick G. Eitel
  • Patent number: 4259135
    Abstract: A technique for factory glazing of glass panes in window frames is provided. Each frame has a pane receiving groove which corresponds in its depth approximately to the thickness of the glass pane. This groove is filled with a pane edge and a hardenable sealing mass. The invention further relates to a process for factory glazing of glass panes, in particular, glass panes which have been individually inserted into a window frame groove that is open or accessible on one side and that corresponds in its depth approximately to the thickness of the glass pane. When such groove is filled with a hardenable sealing mass, the latter is subsequently hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: BFG Glassgroup
    Inventor: Josef Kulla
  • Patent number: 4251308
    Abstract: A mattress includes a flexible tube having a pair of major surfaces alternating with a pair of side surfaces with marginal portions of the major surfaces extending beyond the side surfaces at each end of the tube. The marginal portions are bent toward each other and lap sealed along seams extending substantially between the side surfaces to form the end surfaces of the mattress. At each corner an insert is disposed along a line where the end surface approaches the side surface and is attached thereto by a continuous lap seam having substantially parallel sides extending substantially between the major surfaces. An associated method includes the provision of a special mandril for heat sealing the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Inventor: Craig S. Miller
  • Patent number: 4247963
    Abstract: A support construction includes two different-size sheets, the smaller one being sealed along all of its margins to the larger one, and the assembly is folded over, the smaller sheet being on the inside while overlapping margins of the larger sheet are sealed, in order to form a flat air compartment bonded by a liquid compartment having an upper and a lower portion. Additional seal points between the sheets establish obstructions for the liquid. An alternative form uses a flattened and folded lower sleeve. Valves permit filling of the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Inventor: Lakshmi Reddi
  • Patent number: 4246056
    Abstract: This invention is concerned with inflatable plastic baby baths similar in shape to a rubber tire inner tube having an impervious web across the ring. The web is preferably midway between the top and the bottom of the inflatable tube or annulus, and by inflating the article while hot during manufacture a smooth and wrinkle-free appearance can be produced. Such a plastic bath can be made virtually immovable on a smooth surface by expelling air from under the web and causing a partial vacuum. The diameter of the inflated tube is sufficiently great relative to the width of the web to prevent the web touching the supporting surface in normal use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Inventors: Vern L. Todd, Antony J. Edye
  • Patent number: 4244764
    Abstract: A cushioned toilet seat is made by first forming a sealed air-and-water tight annular inner tube having a configuration corresponding to that of the end product, then vacuum forming an annular recess or cavity in a first sheet of a cover material, then placing the previously formed sealed inner tube into the annular cavity, then placing a rigid annular member into the cavity on top of the inner tube, then placing a flat sheet of cover material over the cavity, and sealing it closed. Variations are disclosed in one of which the inner tube is filled or partially filled with a polyurethane foam produced by placing a quantity of expandable foamable polyurethane resin reaction mixture in the inner tube before sealing and then sealing the inner tube closed before the foam is fully expanded. In another embodiment, the inner tube is filled or partially filled with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1981
    Inventor: Milton Ginsburg
  • Patent number: 4243118
    Abstract: A non-conductive safety line and method for producing the safety line is disclosed. The safety line of the preferred embodiment comprises a rope core which has an exterior tubing positioned over the rope core with a quantity of filler material contained within the exterior tubing to completely capsulate the rope core. End loop splices are formed on the rope core ends and a pair of shrinkable tubing sections are positioned over the end loop splices. The completed safety line has a film applied to the exterior thereof to prevent surface wetting. The safety line may be used in conjunction with aerial buckets or hot boards from a lineman's body belt to the boom of an aerial lift or platform of an insulated hot board. The line maintains dielectric integrity, wet or dry, preventing shorting of the lineman's insulation from ground as conventional safety lines can do.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Inventor: Milton E. Landry
  • Patent number: 4237885
    Abstract: A delivery system is disclosed. The system is useful for the preprogrammed, unattended delivery of at least one beneficial agent to a pre-selected environment of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick S. L. Wong, Bruce B. Pharriss
  • Patent number: 4238276
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display element is produced by forming an electrical insulating metal oxide film on a transparent glass substrate, forming a transparent conductive film thereon by coating a coating solution prepared by diluting a solute comprising indium, tin, a .beta.-diketone and nitric acid with an organic solvent, followed by calcination, etching the transparent conductive film to give electrodes having desired patterns, placing the two resulting glass substrates in parallel so that individual electrodes at the inner side stand opposite to each other, and enclosing a liquid crystal material in the space formed between the two glass substrates. The liquid crystal display element thus produced has transparent electrodes which have low sheet resistance, enhanced mechanical strength and strong adhesive strength to the glass substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshige Kinugawa, Satoru Ogihara, Yosio Hanada, Shizuo Ishitani, Tadashi Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 4227779
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved sealant useful with electrochromic or similar type displays having an acidic electrolyte hermetically sealed between spaced substrates, the sealant providing an inner seal chemically formed in situ at the interface with the electrolyte by reaction therewith and an outer seal surrounding the inner seal. The sealant preferably comprises a mixture of acid resistant epoxy resin and a curing agent, for example, amine or amide, the curing agent reacting with the acidic electrolyte at the interface to form a water-repellant reaction product constituting the inner seal and also reacting at remaining areas of the sealant surrounding the interface to cure the epoxy resin and thereby form the outer seal. In the inventive method, the sealant is at the most only partially cured prior to introduction of the electrolyte into the display so that there is some free curing agent present to react with the electrolyte at the interface and form the inner seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventors: Saadi Bissar, Douglas George
  • Patent number: 4192699
    Abstract: Pneumatic structural and cushioning material of plastic sheets, bands, and/or tubes, which are compartmentized into a plurality of chambers. The material is capable of convenient and economical storage and shipment in a collapsed state and rapid inflation to an operative state at the point of use. The chambers embody one-way valving arrangements to maintain the chambers in an expanded state over long periods of time, rendering the product useful in cushioning loads during shipment by land, air or water; in safety devices for humans in vehicle bumpers, air cushions, and buoyant devices of all types; and in structural assemblies of either temporary or permanent types to attain heat and sound insulation effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1980
    Inventors: Stephen Lewicki, Gregory D. Lewicki, Stephen J. Lewicki
  • Patent number: 4184904
    Abstract: A method for making a continuous bilaminar planar sheet material utilized for packaging of goods and having raised pockets containing a gas. The sheet material is made by extruding a molten plastic through an extruder having a cylindrical nozzle with an annular circular slot opening, so that a tubular hollow element is formed. A plurality of heating elements are arranged around the circumference of the annular circular slot to maintain the temperature of the extruded material at different temperatures around the circumference of the annular slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Assignee: Charlotte Mintz
    Inventor: William Gaffney
  • Patent number: 4182085
    Abstract: Method and structure for insulating a building wall, ceiling, or like member supported by studs or rafters along various areas thereof, comprising the use ofan inflatable envelope of gas impervious material wherein the inflatable envelope includes at least two main wall portions;a first heat transfer barrier member substantially fully covering and secured to one of the main wall portions externally of the inflatable envelope;a second heat transfer barrier member substantially fully covering and secured to the other of the main wall portions externally of the inflatable envelope;a member separating the two main wall portions situated within the interior of the inflatable envelope and disposed between two main wall portions; anda valve for facilitating entry of an inflating medium into the inflatable envelope and retaining an inflating medium within the inflatable envelope; the method including installing the structure, securing it in place, and inflating the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1980
    Inventor: Jesse M. Elson
  • Patent number: 4181548
    Abstract: A three layer laminated plastic cushioning material having a substantially flat central layer with sealed air pockets formed on both sides of the central layer between the central layer and layers positioned on opposite sides of the central layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Inventor: Joseph L. Weingarten
  • Patent number: 4181549
    Abstract: A solvent-bonded joint between plastic members, and a method of making the same, particularly useful where such members are intended to convey fluids such as sterile medical solutions. The joint includes a pair of members joined at a zone of interference, a tapered crevice between the members, and a solvent bond in the tapered crevice. After the members have been fitted together, the solvent is introduced into the tapered well or crevice leading to the zone of interference to form the permanent solvent bond. The zone of interference serves as a barrier against any liquid or other flowable material entering the tapered crevice in the opposite direction prior to formation of the solvent bond and further serves as a barrier against the escape of solvent through the crevice, or the contamination by solvent of any material or parts beyond or below the crevice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Assignee: American Hospital Supply Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 4180429
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously manufacturing thin-walled flexible hoses having helical reinforcement members which are relatively strong in relation to the hose walls wherein an internal pressure is applied to the hose core to obviate the need for a manufacturing mandrel, and a plurality of turns of the reinforcement member are coiled onto a fixed tube through which the hose core passes and the successive comparatively unstressed turns of the reinforcement member are applied to the slightly expanding hose core at the tube exit by the application of an intermittent pressure in an axial direction against the respective last turn of the plurality of turns on the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Assignee: Vohran Kunststofferzeugnisse GmbH
    Inventor: Tassilo Alber
  • Patent number: 4176816
    Abstract: Rigid nylon articles are provided with a chamber therewithin and water is sealed within the chamber. The water is in continuous contact with the nylon and is absorbed by the nylon over a long period of time to increase and maintain the maximum impact resistance of the nylon article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Assignee: Arundale, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory O. Corkery
  • Patent number: 4177097
    Abstract: The invention relates to the monitoring of the filling effectiveness during the filling operation of a waterproof or filled telecommunications cable on a manufacturing line, and includes measuring the capacitance change per unit length of an outer pair of insulated conductors in the cable, measuring the capacitance change per unit length of an inner pair of insulated conductors in the cable, determining any deviations in the measured capacitance changes and utilizing such deviations by feedback control to eliminate further deviation, as well as determining the point of deviation along the cable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Assignee: Western Electric Co. Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Hudson, Jr., Raymond A. Levandoski, Allen K. Long
  • Patent number: 4169344
    Abstract: An apparatus for making cushioning, shock absorbing, insulating or packaging material formed of webs of plastic material sealed together to make fluid or air filled cells in a quilted fashion. A tube forming roller forms tubes of the material. Heat sealing elements seal the webs into tubular formation and additional heat sealing elements seal the webs transversely across the tubular formation to form a series of cells. A fluid blower maintains fluid or air within the tubes during the cellular formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1979
    Assignee: Sagan Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Ganz, Stephen Koval, Raymond P. Meenen
  • Patent number: 4169002
    Abstract: An improved method for forming a strip material and subsequently inflating and sealing the strip material at the site of its intended use to form cushioning material. Two heat sealable films are fused together in discrete areas to form two rows of inflatable chambers along the strip and a passageway extending the length of the strip material between the rows, with each of the chambers having an inlet opening narrower than the main portion of the chamber communicating with the passageway. The strip material is shipped uninflated to the site where the cushioning material is to be used. The strip material is then inflated by propelling the passageway in the strip over an air nozzle to inflate the chambers through their inlet openings, and the inlet openings are then sealed after the films are first pressed together and tensioned around the area to be sealed to both insure a wrinkle free seal and insure that air pressure in the chamber will not rupture the sealed area while it is hot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1979
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Curtis L. Larson
  • Patent number: 4151029
    Abstract: A method of making hollow playballs, particularly tennis balls, having a fiberous e.g. fabric layer, and a flexible polymeric layer in the wall of the ball. The method involves forming laminate blanks of the fiberous material and polymer, edge-joining one or more blanks to form a closed hollow body and hot molding the hollow body in a mold of the desired configuration. A novel playball is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1979
    Assignee: Dunlop Limited
    Inventor: James Jones-Hinton
  • Patent number: 4142383
    Abstract: A method for the production of decorative objects by providing a viscous liquid and a particulate metal and/or mineral through an opening in a hollow transparent glass envelope and then bonding a cap over the opening with a resin impervious to said liquid is described. The refractive index of the viscous liquid and glass are approximately equal visually. The viscous liquid is preferably glycerine admixed with clear miscible solvents which reduce the viscosity depending upon the metal or mineral used. The liquid is provided through the opening in the hollow glass envelope without wetting the sides of the opening in a manner which leaves a gas (air) pocket inside the envelope adjacent the opening and above the liquid and then a cap is bonded over the opening adjacent the gas pocket. The decorative object is preferably in the form of jewelry, such as earrings or pendants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Eberhart Glass Blowing Ltd.
    Inventor: Wolfgang R. Eberhart
  • Patent number: 4129466
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming the stranded conductor portion of a fully-filled electric cable in which the components of the strand in side-by-side relation are fed through an inlet die at one end of a chamber in which a filling medium at a temperature at least 5.degree. C above the dropping point temperature of the medium and under a pressure above atmospheric pressure is circulated in a direction opposite to the conductor feed direction. In the chamber, the components, preferably groups of conductors, are spread apart by a perforated disc through which they pass and are then twisted together at an outlet die at the opposite end of the chamber to form a strand with a coating of the medium and with the medium filling the spaces between components. From the outlet die the strand passes directly into a bath of the medium in a temperature controlled tank at atmospheric pressure but which maintains the medium at least 5.degree. C above its dropping point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Assignee: Industrie Pirelli Societa per Azioni
    Inventors: Antonio Portinari, Piero Lavezzari
  • Patent number: 4118261
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing fiberglass sheet material in which an inflatable envelope having a plurality of marginally sealed perforations therethrough is applied to the surface of the material. A wet layer of settable reinforcing material is then applied over the envelope and onto that part of the sheet material exposed by the perforations. The envelope is then inflated so as to cause the wet layer to assume a cratered form which is then allowed to solidify to form a reinforcing structure on the sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Inventor: Keith Pedler
  • Patent number: 4114350
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for adjusting the resilience of a hollow ball having an internal pressure. A ball, particularly a tennis ball, is held in a confined position. A mixture of inflating medium and sealant material is injected from an aerosol container into the tennis ball. A ball test gauge is incorporated within a ball holder to enable the player to continuously and simultaneously determine the necessity for increasing or decreasing the internal pressure of the tennis ball in order to achieve the desired resilience. The frame structure is provided for fixing the storage canister or aerosol container in a stationary relationship with respect to the ball holder. A combination of elements is then provided for adjusting the internal pressure within the tennis ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Inventor: J. Gerald Snyder
  • Patent number: 4114246
    Abstract: A method of making a tuned viscous torsional vibration damper assembly of the type having supporting disk means with a radially outwardly extending circular body and a radially inner hub portion adapted to be secured to a rotary member such as a crankshaft subject to vibrations to be damped by the damper, the body being received concentrically within a radially inwardly opening annular working chamber of an annular inertia mass, a viscous damping medium in said chamber between shear film spaced working surfaces of said body and said inertia mass, and said inertia mass having concentric annular grooves at opposite sides of and facing axially toward said body contiguous to the opening from said chamber, with elastic tuning spring, spacing and sealing rings coupling opposing surface areas of said inertia mass in said grooves and opposing surface areas on said body, comprising assembling the rings in the grooves, placing concentricity maintaining shoulder means across radially inner open sides of the grooves wher
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: Houdaille Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon W. Kamman
  • Patent number: 4096306
    Abstract: An improved strip material which may be inflated and sealed at the site of its intended use to form cushioning material. The strip material comprises two heat sealable films which are fused together in discrete areas to form two rows of inflatable chambers along the strip and a passageway extending the length of the strip material between the rows, with each of the chambers having an inlet opening narrower than the main portion of the chamber communicating with the passageway. The strip material is inflated by propelling the passageway in the strip over an air nozzle to inflate the chambers through their inlet openings, and the inlet openings are then sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1978
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Curtis L. Larson
  • Patent number: 4086386
    Abstract: A smash-recoverable printing blanket having a substantially uniform thickness and method of making same are provided wherein the blanket comprises a plurality of layers including at least one layer adapted to swell upon being contacted by a liquid and a plurality of microcapsules disposed within the blanket with the microcapsules containing the liquid; and, the microcapsules are adapted to be ruptured upon smashing the blanket to thereby release the liquid contained therewithin against the one layer causing swelling thereof and restoring of the adjacent layers substantially to their original position prior to the smashing to define the uniform thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1978
    Assignee: Dayco Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Gaworowski, John C. Duckett
  • Patent number: 4076872
    Abstract: Pneumatic structural and cushioning material of plastic sheets, bands, and/or tubes, which are compartmentized into a plurality of chambers. The material is capable of convenient and economical storage and shipment in a collapsed state and rapid inflation to an operative state at the point of use. The chambers embody one-way valving arrangements to maintain the chambers in an expanded state over long periods of time, rendering the product useful in cushioning loads during shipment by land, air or water; in safety devices for humans in vehicle bumpers, air cuhsins, and buoyant devices of all types; and in structural assemblies of either temporary or permanent types to attain heat and sound insulation effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1978
    Inventors: Stephen Lewicki, Gregory David Lewicki, Stephen Jon Lewicki
  • Patent number: 4073120
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for repressurizing tennis balls or other balls not being normally provided with an air fill valve and for internally sealing the same after repressurizing, which includes: a needle-like element for penetrating the skin of the ball and having a passage therethrough for the passing of a sealing medium and air into the ball, compressing the ball to create a negative pressure therein, a sealant containing member which is penetrable by the extending end of the needle element for drawing the sealant into the ball when the compressive force is released and a source of positive pressure which is attachable to the extending end of the needle element for pressure application to the interior of the ball. The sealant is in flowable condition for a period and and will flow about the internal end of the needle to form a supply about the aperture formed by the needle such that when the same is withdrawn, the sealant will flow in and over the aperture to seal the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1978
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Berggren
  • Patent number: 4066486
    Abstract: A kit for use in forming pressure blocks in a cable including a fluid injector with a pressurizing plunger providing a discrete amount of pressure block forming material, such as self-setting plastic, a tap fitting with a fluid inlet port providing access to the interior of the cable, and a valve comprising a housing and a closure member movably mounted to the housing, the closure member including first, second, and third sections. The first valve section includes means establishing free fluid communication between the injector and the fluid port, the second section including means sealing the passage portions from one another and from the exterior, and the third section including means communicating the fluid injector to the exterior. The valve prevents creation of a vacuum internal of the fluid injector which hinders the withdrawal of the plunger in the fluid injector while coupled to the tap fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventor: Gene S. T. Tan
  • Patent number: 4056418
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for the manufacture of hollow fibers are disclosed in which at least two layers of molecularly orientable thermoplastic material are together passed through a pressure nip between two rollers, each of which has in its periphery annular grooves with lands therebetween, the grooves in the respective rollers being accurately aligned, whereby the layers are caused to form at least the boundaries of enlarged portions which are connected by thin integral portions or completely severed from each other. Any interconnected enlarged portions are then separated by mechanical means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1977
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Frank M. Aspin
  • Patent number: 4042434
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for firmly bonding together driving and driven gears. Bonding is accomplished by placing a thin layer of a thermal setting resin between the web faces of gears that are joined together by a multiplicity of spaced apart fasteners. The cured resin acts both as a load carrying joint and as a gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1977
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore Ivanko
  • Patent number: 4039363
    Abstract: A floating seat cushion which is capable of emergency use as a life preserver. The seat cushion comprises a center core of open cell polyurethane foam material surrounded by an outer layer of closed cell polyethylene foam material. A belt extends transversely adjacent one side of the center core to form a pair of loops which extend outwardly from opposite sides of the cushion. The belt is preferably laminated between the center core and outer layer. The cushion is preferably formed by placing the center core outer layer and belt in overlying relationship to each other with adhesive between them. The assembly is then placed in a press and compressed to cause the center core to collapse so that the peripheral portions of the outer layer can be bonded together to enclose the center core. Air is then replaced into the center core to cause the cushion to assume a convex or crown shape. The completed cushion is preferably coated with vinyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1977
    Inventor: James H. Robertson
  • Patent number: 4033800
    Abstract: A method of making electric cable having a plurality of electric conductors stranded together with a deformable semi-conducting strand in each valley between the conductors and a shielding composition around and in intimate contact with the conductors and strands. The conductors and strands are stranded together into a stranding die and the plastic composition is forced around them while they are in the stranding die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1972
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Assignee: United States Steel Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Ollis
  • Patent number: 4028042
    Abstract: A moulding apparatus including a pair of mould cavities with locking spue grooves, means to form moulded rubber article parts in the cavities, means to prework the rubber without substantial curing before it is formed, means to pressurize the mould with gas and means to bring the mould cavities together to join the article parts. The arrangement for pressurizing the mould includes a retractable casing which is movable between a position in which the mould cavities are enclosed to permit their pressurization and a position in which the cavities are accessible outside the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Assignee: Dunlop Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Gerald Goodfellow, Maurice Rand
  • Patent number: 4025376
    Abstract: In coextruded or extrusion coated, laminated, polymeric films which have been stretched by the inflated bubble technique, liquid can be entrapped between the collapsed bubble walls and can migrate to an interior layer of the laminate to treat same when the layer adjacent to the entrapped liquid is liquid permeable. For example, in a polyethylene/nylon/ethylene vinyl acetate/entrapped water/ethylene vinyl acetate/nylon/polyethylene laminated film the entrapped water will diffuse through the ethylene vinyl acetate layers to keep the nylon layers plasticized and impact resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1977
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.
    Inventor: Henry G. Schirmer