Joining Of Nonplanar Elements; E.g., Configured Hollow Objects, Etc. Patents (Class 156/304.2)
  • Patent number: 6706133
    Abstract: A method for end-to end joining of paper rolls into a continuous core master is provided. The primary goal of the method is to produce usable paper roll cores from those returned for recycling after use. According to the aforementioned method, the ends of core sections are reworked into complementary shapes required for mating a joint, glue is applied to the complementary mating surfaces of the joint, the ends of the core sections are pushed in an axial direction abutting each other and the glue is set. The cross section of the cores is trued circular at least over the area of the joined core sections by applying a radial, compressive trueing force on the joint. The trueing force is also used for braking axial travel of the core sections during the joining of the core sections. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: A.P.E.-Trading Oy
    Inventor: Matti Erkkilä
  • Patent number: 6688362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-functional press for welding plastic tubes and joints particularly polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene and polyvinyldifluoride tubes and joints, comprising a first fixed base and a second base, movable with respect to said first base along sliding guides, a first vise group, mounted on said first base and a second vise group mounted on said second base, a thermo-element, provided on a guide parallel with respect to said first and second base and coupled with said guide in such a way to be provided in a working position between said vise groups, and in a rest position, completely out of the operation field of said vise groups, and in a lowered position with respect to the operation field of said vise groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Giovanni Meirana
  • Patent number: 6666945
    Abstract: A method for preparing an end of a thermoplastics tube (1) is provided, wherein the tube is manufactured by spirally winding and welding together of a hollow profile (1a) having a substantially rectangular cross section. The method includes the following steps: cutting the end of the tube by a planar transversal section; extruding a second hollow profile (2) having a rectangular cross section and an outer shape essentially similar to Fat of the hollow profile (1a) from which the tube (1) is manufactured; spirally winding the extruded second hollow profile (2) around a drum having a diameter corresponding to inner diameter of the tube (1); cutting a loop (2a) from the second hollow profile (2) in a length corresponding to circumference of the tube end; joining the ends of the loop (2a) to each other, whereby a ring (2b) is formed having the same inner and outer diameters as the spirally wound tube (1); placing the ring (2b) against the cut tube end; and welding the ring (2b) to the tube end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Oy KWH Pipe Ab
    Inventors: Anders Andtbacka, Gunnar Blomqvist, Stefan Slotte
  • Publication number: 20030227104
    Abstract: A core for winding a continuous web of material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the core includes a first inner portion and a second outer portion. The inner and outer portions once had the same inner diameters. However, the outer portion is resized to having a second inner diameter so that it may overlap the first inner portion. A workpiece, which will be cut into a plurality of second outer portions, is heated. The heated workpiece is then placed over a plug which has an outer diameter that substantially corresponds to the desired inner diameter for the second outer portions. By placing the heated workpiece over the plug, the workpiece is stretched to have the desired second inner diameter. The workpiece is then cut into a plurality of second outer portions of the desired width. Because the inner diameter of each second portion is now larger, they are permitted to overlap a corresponding first inner portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Mark J. Majeski
  • Patent number: 6656318
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of joining two reinforced thermoplastic material tubes having the same diameter. Ends of the two tubes are first butt welded along a peripheral weld. After forming the weld, a reinforced thermoplastic material outer jacket is fitted over most of the length of the peripheral weld, extending on either side of the weld over end sections of the two tubes. The outer jacket is heated and pressed radially until the outer jacket and the end sections of the two tubes interpenetrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Seva
    Inventors: Alain Sabouraud, Alain Tournier, Michel Derycke, Gerard Joly
  • Patent number: 6652699
    Abstract: In order to attach a fuel system component such as a pipe nipple to a fuel tank having a polyethylene outer layer, the fuel system component is made from a first material which may have desirable characteristics such as resistance to creep, but which may not be easily weldable to the polyethylene outer layer of the tank. The flange member is used for attachment to the body portion of the fuel system component by welding and for attachment to the polyethylene layer of the tank. To inhibit hydrocarbon vapour flow-through through the flange member, the flange member includes a barrier layer which extends from one side of the flange to the other and which surrounds the central aperture. In another embodiment of the invention, the flange member is made from a material which has the necessary barrier properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Salflex Polymers Ltd.
    Inventor: Changize Sadr
  • Patent number: 6652704
    Abstract: An aerosol solvent weld cement composition for joining ends of plastic pipe. The composition contains at least one polymer capable of welding the plastic pipes to each other, at least one solvent for the polymer, and at least one propellant for the polymer/solvent solution. The composition is maintained under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure in an aerosol container. A female omnidirectional valve is disclosed for use in the aerosol container. This valve comprises a valve body having an omnidirectional attachment which contains a check valve container made up of a constricted lower end, a top surface, a lateral opening, and a check ball for opening and closing passageways. This valve allows the solvent weld cement composition to be applied to pipes from any angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald D. Green
  • Patent number: 6649015
    Abstract: A double containment pipe fitting and method of making same is disclosed. The fitting includes a branch double containment pipe section butt welded to a double containment pipe header, or main section to form a fitting wherein the branch section extends away from the header section. The header and branch section primary and secondary pipe portions contain distinct engagement surfaces which are joined together to form the fitting. A unique, non-planar heating element having opposed heating surfaces is brought into contact with the main and branch pipe sections to soften the plastic for welding purposes which are then joined together in a manner such that the respective centerlines of each pipe section intersect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Enfield Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: John Allen, Alec Ewen, Robert Gurney
  • Patent number: 6637489
    Abstract: A wafer for use in selectively connecting and disconnecting plastic tubes is in the form of a heatable plate having side walls and having a leading end and a trailing end. An outwardly extending scoop is formed on each of the side walls between and spaced from the leading end and the trailing end. A pair of slits is formed in the trailing end in line with the scoops for reducing the amount of plastic material remaining on the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Denco, Inc.
    Inventor: Dudley W. C. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6635133
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a golf ball. Two cups are molded from an elastomer separately from an inner sphere. In one embodiment of the method, the cups are molded on both sides of a single mold part with hemispherical protrusions that form cavities in the cups. An inner sphere is placed within the cavities, and the cups are joined, by preferably crosslinking the cups together or applying adhesive there between. To retain the characteristics of the cup material where the cups meet, an embodiment of the cups can be formed with nonplanar mating surfaces that mesh with each other. The nonplanar mating surfaces preferably have a pattern that is symmetrical about the inner sphere, such as concentric ridges, for example a tongue and a groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Herbert C. Boehm, William E. Morgan, Walter L. Reid, Samuel A. Pasqua, Jr., Christopher Cavallaro, Kevin M. Harris, Jeffrey L. Dalton
  • Patent number: 6629551
    Abstract: A conduction welding apparatus and method for bonding abutted thermal plastic tubular end portions is particularly suitable for welding PFA. In a preferred embodiment, a folding weld head embraces the abutted the tubular end portions to be welded, each tubular end portion including a flange spaced from the surfaces to be joined. The weld head includes means for securing the flanges within the weld head and further include bias means. The bias means provide an inward axial bias on the adjoined tubular end portions when the tubular end portions are displaced axially outward from the weld head due to the expansion of the plastic during the weld process. The bias means in a preferred embodiment is substantially inoperative prior to the weld and provides bias, or a substantial increase in bias, when the flanges are displaced due to the expansion of the molten PFA during the weld process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Johnson, Jeffrey J. McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20030183333
    Abstract: Disclosed are a device and method for the simultaneous fusion of multiple plastic pipe sections. A plurality of pipe sections may be rigidly held, faced off, heated, and joined at the same time using a single piece of equipment. The inventive process allows increased throughput of the fusion process without significant additional costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: William James Temple
  • Patent number: 6627036
    Abstract: In a method for bonding plastic objects together by means of a hot-melt type of adhesive, in addition to or during the heating and addition of a plasticizer-resistant hot-melt adhesive, at least one of the objects to be bonded, is heated up in the area to be bonded beyond the melting temperature of the material of which it is made. The method is particularly advantageous for the joining together of multi-layered plastic pipes. The result is the generation of a method for bonding objects by means of a hot-melt type of adhesive that can also be applied with materials for which it was hitherto impossible to apply hot-melt adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventor: Franz Suendermann
  • Patent number: 6616878
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding molded pieces including left and right molds, a sheet material setting mechanism for inserting sheet material acting as a bonding medium between the left and right molds, a sliding blade portion that has a cutting blade disposed at a front end thereof for cutting the sheet material, the cutting blade being formed so as to be along outer circumferential surfaces of the molded pieces on a left side of the right mold and the sliding blade portion being movable to left and right inside the right mold, a driving mechanism for moving the sliding blade portion to left and right, a sliding blade bearing portion formed on a right side of the left mold such that the blade bearing portion and sliding blade bearing portion are movable to the left and right inside the left mold, and a spring member for pressing the sliding blade bearing portion to the right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Harada, Kazuharu Konishi, Yoshihiro Masada, Toshio Nakaike
  • Patent number: 6602308
    Abstract: A method of making an air filter insert for cleaning the combustion air of an internal combustion engine. The method includes producing the filter insert (21) from a pleated filter medium (33) which is formed into a hollow cylinder, in which at least one end plate (33, 34) made of thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic polyurethane is disposed on the axial end faces of the filter medium (33). The at least one end plate (33, 34) is bonded to the cylindrical filter medium (33) by heating the filter medium or the end plate (33, 34) with a high-temperature heating element and fusing the filter medium (33) and the end plate (33, 34) to form a welded joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Carle, Volker Greif, Stefan Kochert, Bernd Spaeth, Klaus Moessinger
  • Publication number: 20030141009
    Abstract: A laser strikes and aseptically heats or sterilizes the end of two flexible tube ends for connection. Tube holders are pushed toward each other to bring the tube ends into contact. A weld detector checks the characteristics of the weld. A laser optics assembly may be used to change the direction of the laser and focus the laser at the tube ends. In addition, a crimping device is used to compress a single flexible tube for disconnection. The laser strikes the compressed area. The crimping device continues to pinch the area and forms a seal in the tube. The tube is separated into two tube segments, each segment has a sealed end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Frank J. Landherr, John A. Biewer, Shahid Din, David Do, Rick Gilbert, James J. Alberti, David W. Pennington, Joe Romack
  • Patent number: 6596122
    Abstract: A method for production of simultaneous lap and butt joints directs electromagnetic radiation (12) through a radiation transmitting material (40) to an absorbing material (44a, 44b, and 44c) that absorbs radiation (12) with the generation of heat. The heat provides sufficient molten material in interfaces (50a, 50b, and 50c) to fuse and bond: 1) pipe ends (14, 24) to each other in a butt joint (22), 2) pipe end portion (16) to sleeve (40) in a lap joint (28a), and 3) pipe end portion (26) to sleeve (40) in a lap joint (28b). Use of a sufficiently clear material for sleeve (40) allows visual inspection of joints (22, 28a, and 28b). Butt joint (22) can be formed by conductive heating without absorbing material (44a) to provide a smooth interior bore useful for transporting high purity fluids without risk of absorbent contamination or debris and organism collection in gaps found in previous joining techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Savitski, Robert A. Grimm
  • Patent number: 6582549
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pointing stick is provided. A post or a substrate of the present invention is provided with a hollow portion, and a predetermined gap is defined between the post and the substrate. After an adhesive is supplied to the gap through the hollow portion, it is heated to join the post and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Jia Hung Liu, Pin-Chien Liao
  • Patent number: 6576078
    Abstract: A process for flashless hot melt bonding of seamed flexible belts having a substrate and a seam having interlocking seam members, wherein the interlocking seam members are held together by an adhesive for use in electrostatographic, contact electrostatic, digital and other like machines, wherein the process includes: a) providing a release layer having an adhesive strip on a front side of the release layer, wherein the release layer is wider than the adhesive strip; b) providing the release layer containing the adhesive strip over the seam, wherein the front side of the release layer containing the adhesive strip is in contact with the seam and mutually mating members; c) thermal compressive adhesive bonding of the release layer to the seam, and d) optionally postcuring the seam; and wherein virtually no flashing of the adhesive outside the seam occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph A. Mosher, Ihor W. Tarnawskyj, Matthew J. Torpey, William M. Prest, Jr., Jodie L. Watson
  • Patent number: 6550514
    Abstract: An indexer system for a plastic pipe butt-fusion machine of the type having a machine super-structure, parallel horizontal support shafts affixed to the super-structure, a first clamp system for removably grasping an end portion of a first length of plastic pipe, a second clamp system for removably grasping an end portion of a second length of plastic pipe and an actuator system for moving the plastic pipes toward and away from each other, the indexing system having an indexer shaft mounted on the super-structure spaced from and parallel to the support shafts, an indexer carriage slidable on the indexer shaft, a facer and a heater pivotally secured to the indexer carriage, a translation mechanism for laterally positioning the indexer carriage to thereby locate the facer and heater between lengths of plastic pipe and a structural beam secured to the super-structure and parallel to the indexer shaft, the indexer carriage being slidably secured to the structural beam so that it is retained in predetermined orien
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Connectra Fusion Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bill D. Andrew
  • Patent number: 6540868
    Abstract: A connector having at least three parts is used to connect a fluid line to an opening of a component that is made of a thermoplastic material. The connector is produced by forming a first part of the connector from an essentially thermoplastic material. A second part and a third part of the connector are produced from an essentially thermoplastic material so that the second part and the third part are fused together. The first part and the second part are connected in a fluid-tight manner outside of a mold. The material of the third part is selected so that it is capable of forming a fusion connection with the thermoplastic material of the component. The connector can also have at least one part. This connector is produced by injection molding a first outer part, an inner layer and an intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Janos Kertesz
  • Patent number: 6524426
    Abstract: A plastic pallet assembly is formed from plastic lumber by melting sections of runners and cross members and contacting them to join said runners and said cross members to form a pallet. A machine having an assembly table, cross members for supporting and moving pallet runners in a vertical direction, a support table for a pallet cross member, hot plates moveable in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction for insertion between the runners and the cross member, and a force bar moveable in a vertical direction for applying a force to the runners, hot plates and cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute
    Inventors: Marc A. St. John, Kevin M. Hartke
  • Patent number: 6517595
    Abstract: An intake duct for introducing outside air into an air cleaner of an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a hollow duct body with an opening, and a piece of non-woven fabric, formed in a flat shape, is joined to the duct body to close the opening. The duct body includes a circumferential wall formed of a resin, and the opening is formed along a plane extending through a portion of the circumferential wall. The piece of non-woven fabric is fixed to the duct body so that some of the resin of the duct body penetrates into the non-woven fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Kino, Hidetoshi Ishihara, Takahiro Komori, Yoshikazu Hirose, Katsumi Yokohashi, Yoshikazu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6503353
    Abstract: An intravascular catheter (10,110) having an elongated tubular body with a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therebetween. The tubular body is formed with polymeric materials, preferably containing no radiopaque filler, and metallic reinforcing braiding (22,130) configured to provide the catheter (10,110) with radiopaque properties and/or kink resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Alex A. Peterson, John B. Logan
  • Publication number: 20020179236
    Abstract: A method and system for curing reactive material. The system includes an inlet port adapted to receive radiation from a source, a plurality of emitter ports and transmission means operatively coupling the inlet port to each emitter port. The transmission means is adapted to conduct radiation from the inlet port to the emitter ports and preferably includes a plurality of optical fibre strands. Additionally, the system also preferably includes a housing defining a substantially tubular irradiation chamber. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for joining the ends of a first optical cable and a second optical cable together. The method includes the steps of abutting the end of the first optical cable to the end of the second optical cable, applying reactive adhesive to the abutted ends, and directing radiation within the absorption spectrum of the reactive adhesive onto the adhesive until the adhesive is sufficiently cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Patrick O'Connor, John J. Kuta
  • Publication number: 20020174956
    Abstract: A buckle pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 12 of a first tube holder 1 is attached with play to a buckle 120 pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 82 of a second tube holder 2. When tubes are held in the first and second tube holders 1 and 2, release of the tubes from the holders 1 and 2 is prevented by a movement of a plunger 203 in correspondence of excitation and demagnetization of a solenoid 202 for a predetermined period of operation of the apparatus after holding the tubes (i.e., for a period required from the locking of the buckle 120 until the completion of moving-down of a wafer holder).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Sano, Narukuni Nakada, Akihiko Iguchi, Yoshiyuki Yamada, Masashi Yanagawa, Takeshi Minatani
  • Patent number: 6485593
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilely coupling two bodies of fluids in fluid communication utilizes a clamp transportable into a sterile enclosure. A pair of tubing segments, each communicating with one of the fluid bodies, is preferably retained in the clamp and transported into the sterile enclosure. The clamp maintains the shape of the tubing segments during the process. Portions of the tubing segments are severed within the enclosure and the remaining ends are heated. The heat may be provided with a hollow disk into which is blown heated air. The ends of the tubing segments are transported out of the enclosure and bonded together while held within the clamps. The clamps prevent deformation of the tubing segments during the process. The process may be partially or fully automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Kurt J. Christoffersen
  • Patent number: 6460592
    Abstract: A tube connecting apparatus is arranged to hold tubes in a first tube holder and a second tube holder, to rotate a pair of rotatable clamping members which include separable pieces disposed in rotational symmetry for holding the tubes in either or both of the first tube holder and the second tube holder, to heat and melt the tubes by a heated cutting plate moving therebetween to cut the tubes, and to weld cut end faces of the different tubes. When the pair of clamping members are in a state of not holding the tubes rotation preventing members fixedly lock the clamping members in a predetermined position, preventing the clamping member from being rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Tervino Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Sano, Narukuni Nakada, Akihiko Iguchi, Yoshiyuki Yamada, Masashi Yanagawa, Takeshi Minatani
  • Patent number: 6461456
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a cylindrical electrophotographic photoconductor, an adhesive is applied to an inside of an opening end portion of a photosensitive drum, and the adhesive is detected by using a CCD laser displacement sensor. Then, a flange for supporting a center shaft to the inside of the opening end portion of the drum is fitted through the adhesive. The flange can be securely attached to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Imaging Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Kurokawa, Tadayuki Okuhara
  • Patent number: 6458232
    Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of thermoplastic products with a high creep strain resistance. The products are free from reinforcing additives. The process includes at least vacuum forming and/or blow moulding of a thermoplastic material such as a polyolefine. A number of product parts are manufactured from a number of preferably tube- or sheet-shaped work pieces. The work pieces are heated so that the thermoplastic material softens whereby they are given the desired shape by means of a mould and the influence of vacuum and/or pressure. The product parts produced are allowed to cool and post-shrink and are hereafter joined to a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Anders Valentinsson
  • Publication number: 20020130124
    Abstract: An electrofusion joint assembly includes a meltable member, such as a pipe or fitting, and a heating element secured to the pipe or fitting. The pipe or fitting may be tapered to facilitate receiving another pipe to form an electrofusion weld joint. Fasteners are used to secure the heating element and extend through a meltable zone and into a non-melt zone. Power supplied to the pipe melts the pipe proximal the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Karl-Heinz Krah GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Krah
  • Publication number: 20020117249
    Abstract: A method for making a ceramic body is provided wherein the ceramic components are joined in their green state. The method includes applying heat to the surfaces to be joined to cause a localized melting of the binder. The surfaces are then brought together and joined by alternately applying compression and stretching. The method is particularly advantageous for forming unitary ceramic arc tube bodies for high intensity discharge (HID) lighting applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Zaslavsky, Christopher S. Nordahl, Joseph V. Lima, Arlene Hecker
  • Patent number: 6441352
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically heat welding a thermoplastic electrofusion fitting having an electrically resistive element disposed therein, whereby a regulated quantity of electric power is supplied to the resistive element during the welding process and the making of a high quality weld is ensured. In accordance with the method, electric power is supplied to the resistive element of the fitting. The resistance of the electrically resistive element is measured with low voltage electric power, and the size of the fitting to be welded is determined from a data table that can be loaded and modified by the user and sorted according to previously-fused fittings. The method includes the steps of generating a alternating current voltage from a direct current power supply and transmitting the alternating current voltage to the electrically resistive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: EF Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Groft, David W. Groft, Michael W. Groft
  • Publication number: 20020101002
    Abstract: A method for bonding molded pieces, comprising the steps of: providing a mold which can be split into left and right molds, said right mold having a cutting blade formed on a left side thereof so as to be along outer circumferential surfaces of the molded pieces, and said left mold having a blade bearing portion formed on a right side thereof for bearing said cutting blade; setting a pair of molded pieces having sectional shapes coincident with each other into said left and right molds, respectively, in such a manner that end surfaces of said molded pieces to be bonded are put inside so as to face each other, wherein said pair of molded pieces each individually being an extrusion-molded piece or a die-molded piece; attaching said left and right split molds with each other while inserting a sheet material acting as a bonding medium therebetween, so that said end portions of said molded pieces to be bonded are brought into contact with each other via said sheet material, and that said sheet material is cut into
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Fumio Harada, Kazuharu Konishi, Yoshihiro Masada, Toshio Nakaike
  • Patent number: 6425431
    Abstract: An apparatus of welding a plurality of parts comprises a plural pairs of jigs, a plurality of heating plates, a working region, a heating-plate stocker, a heating-plate standby region, and a heating-plate slider. The pairs of jigs supports a plurality of parts, and each pair of the jigs has a shape different from another pair of jigs. The heating plates respectively correspond to each pair of the jigs. The working region is for welding the parts with the jigs and the heating plates. The heating-plate stocker stocks and heats the heating plates. The heating-plate standby region is for standing by for moving the heating plates with heating between the working region and the heating-plate stocker. A heating-plate slider is for sliding the heating plates between the heating-plate standby region and the heating-plate stocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshitaka Naito, Masahiko Koizumi, Tomoki Kumayama, Hiroyuki Kageyama, Fujihiko Sugiyama, Seiichi Gyotoku
  • Patent number: 6409868
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a rectilinear window frame comprising cutting a length of extruded frame profile having a body portion and an integral nailing fin into four lengths from opposite sides of the profile at forty-five degrees (45°) with the cuts meeting at a point intermediate the width of the nailing fin, then assembling the four sections into the rectangular frame. The invention is also directed to frames produced by such method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Royal Group Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Ronald Fredrick Edger
  • Patent number: 6409873
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of joining a mating face of a first through duct to a mating face of a second duct. Specifically, the method includes bonding the first duct mating face to the second duct mating face to form a bonded structure while the ducts are supported in alignment with each other on an alignment member. Once so bonded, the alignment member may be removed from the bonded structure. Advantageously, the method of the present invention provides an approach for accurately joining ducts together such that the joint is clean, accurate, nondistorted, durable, and impermeable to metal ions. Furthermore, the resultant joints are extremely uniform, and are easy and economical to make using simple equipment, thus making the present invention particularly useful in mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: FSI International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Baxter
  • Patent number: 6407370
    Abstract: An electro-welding device for electrically welding plastic elements together, comprising: a power source for having an AC current in circulation, an electrical converter AC/DC, heating means electrically connected to the converter for heating the weldable elements, electrical regulating means interposed between the electrical converter and the heating means, the electrical regulating means comprising switching means having successive electrically passing and electrically non-passing phases, the electrical regulating means being subjected to the switch-over rhythm of said switching means for generating a switched over electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Societe Joseph Sauron Materiel Industriel
    Inventors: Jean Sauron, Gil Gaunt
  • Patent number: 6398903
    Abstract: A method for applying an edge protector to a plate made of a brittle material, such as glass or a glass-ceramic or ceramic material, in particular a cooking surface. The edge protector can be applied to a plate made of a brittle material without expensive tools and without prefabricated frame elements because the plate is positioned, with the top leading, in a lower tool element, and an upper tool element is placed on the lower tool element with the positioned plate. A hollow space, which is open toward the top of the upper tool element and defines the shape of the edge, is delimited by the lower tool element and the upper tool element in the area of the edge of the plate. A cold-setting sealing compound is metered into the hollow space, and the plate, together with the edge protector, is removed from the tool following the setting of the sealing compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Schott Glass
    Inventors: Horst Stedron, Michael Muskalla, Bernd Schulteis, Inka Henze
  • Patent number: 6398902
    Abstract: A tool and related method uses an insert for lap splicing two end to end connected tubes to one another. The insert is formed from plurality of members which together are receivable into the internal size and shape of the internal tubular member. The insert can be pulled out of the tubular members once the lap joint is formed. The invention also resides in a tool which locates a flange onto the outside surface at the end of the tubular member to effect registration of it in a flush and perpendicular manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Robins, John Kesapradist
  • Patent number: 6395127
    Abstract: An insert and method of use for conjoining plastic tubular end portion to form a beadless weldment. The insert comprises a first core portion having a longitudinal axis and a first circumferential surface, and a second tubing contact portion having a longitudinal axis, a second inwardly facing surface and a third circumferential surface, with the second and third surface in concentric relation to each other, and the second tubing contact portion operatively connected to the first core portion. The first core portion and the second tubing contact portion are longitudinally movable relative to each other between a first conjoining configuration and a second removal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Johnson, Jeffrey J. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6387199
    Abstract: Fabricating belts by forcing adhesive into a belt seam using centrifugal forces. A belt having ends that are fabricated to mate along a seam is inserted into a cylinder such that a seam is formed. An adhesive is then deposited along the seam and the cylinder is spun at a speed sufficient to force the adhesive into the seam. The adhesive is then cured so as to produce a seamed belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Antonio DeCrescentis, Ralph A. Mosher, John S. Berkes
  • Patent number: 6378579
    Abstract: A finger joint architecture method and formation apparatus are disclosed, the finger joint architecture characterized by an array of interspersed projections and cavities formed at an end face of a first wood product. The projections are spaced from one another in both first and second dimensions defining the end face and are formed by the cavities which are bored through the end face. A mating array of projections and cavities is formed at an end of another wood product to be secured to the first wood product. The projections and cavities thus formed are preferably tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: ReConnX, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon X. Giltner
  • Patent number: 6375774
    Abstract: An intravascular medical catheter and method of manufacturing a medical catheter are provided herein. The medical catheter includes a catheter shaft having an inner liner, a reinforcing section and an outer shell. As provided herein, a groove is formed in the outer shell of the catheter shaft near a distal end of the catheter shaft with a laser. The groove can be filled with a fill section which is made of a relatively soft material. This improves the flexibility of the distal end so that the medical catheter has improved tracking and movement in the body vessel. Further, because the reinforcing section is continuous under the groove, the catheter shaft is durable and inhibits kinking during movement in the body vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Lunn, Nasser Rafiee, Charles Daugherty
  • Patent number: 6372079
    Abstract: Machine for welding hollow articles and process for welding these articles, for example half-shells of a plastic fuel tank, using the technique of hot-plate welding, in which the mirror is in the form of separate elements which can be moved independently. Particular processes in which the articles to be welded together are preshaped by pressing against cold-plate elements, which might not be plane, by stretching or compressing the side walls of the articles or by pressing against the walls of a mould. Process applied to the manufacturer of injection-moulded/welded fuel tanks. Use of the machine for manufacturing such tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Solvay, S.A.
    Inventors: Hubert Coninck, Pierre Gilliard, Joel Op De Beeck, Guy Van Meulebeke, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
  • Patent number: 6358348
    Abstract: A method of butt welding two generally rod-shaped structures of a fluorine-containing plastic material includes the steps of placing end faces of the structures in a contacting relationship by supporting each structure in a clamping device, applying heat to the end parts of the structures that project from the clamping device, and pressing the end faces together by moving the clamping devices towards each other to apply a welding pressure of between 0.05 and 0.5 Nmm−2 perpendicular to the end faces. The heating element surrounds the end parts along a substantially closed contour, and may comprise two segments which can be hinged into an open or closed position to be removed from the completed weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Pollack, Robert Martin Hobson, René Perratone
  • Patent number: 6342120
    Abstract: A composite catheter stabilizing device, a catheter assembly including such a stabilizing device and a device for removing a catheter assembly are provided. The stabilizing device includes a cuff having a first and second edge which is configured to be positioned around a catheter. The device further includes a first and second end piece. The first and second end pieces have internal surfaces defining tubular openings which extend through the end pieces. The first and second end pieces are tapered from first sides which abut the edges of the cuff to second sides and the second sides of the end pieces are configured for receiving a catheter in facing engagement. The device for removing a catheter assembly includes a handle and a head having an external gripping surface which is sized for inserting into a lumen of a catheter assembly having a tissue ingrowth cuff for gripping an internal surface of the catheter assembly within the cuff and dislodging the cuff from surrounding tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Ignazio Basta
  • Patent number: 6331698
    Abstract: A thermoweldable clip for a weldable conduit has two shells surrounding the conduit when in use. The shells have facing longitudinal flanges and are connected to one another under pressure. The shells have electrically heatable conductors arranged in continuous windings at inner shell surfaces. The windings extend in a semi-circular zone at the inner surfaces in two end areas of the shell and also between these two semi-circular zones in a planar strip. The shape and the arrangement of the conductors are identical. The shells are positioned so as to face one another. The strip is arranged only at the inner surface of one of the longitudinal flanges. Electrical terminals are formed integrally on the outer shell sides. The conductors project from the contact surface of the semi-circular zones or the strip on the longitudinal flange. A positive locking connection is provided between the conductors and the shell material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Manibs Spezialarmaturen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Hintzen
  • Patent number: 6328842
    Abstract: Machine for welding hollow articles and process for welding these articles, for example half-shells of a plastic fuel tank, using the technique of hot-plate welding. A particular process in which the articles to be welded together are preshaped by pressing against a cold plate, which might not be plane, by stretching or compressing the side walls of the articles or by pressing against the walls of a mold. Process applied to the manufacturer of injection-molded/welded fuel tanks. Use of the machine for manufacturing such tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Solvay, S.A.
    Inventors: Hubert Coninck, Pierre Gilliard, Joel Op De Beeck, Guy Van Meulebeke, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
  • Patent number: 6322653
    Abstract: A method for joining thermoplastic pipes made by spiral winding a hollow profile with mainly rectangular cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Oy Kwh Pipe Ab
    Inventors: Gunnar Blomqvist, Stefan Slotte, Anders Andtbacka