Indefinite Or Running Length Flexible Strand, Rod, Tube, Or Filament Uniting Patents (Class 156/433)
  • Publication number: 20080047657
    Abstract: A system for forming a cross-directional fiber reinforcement layer has a feeder for feeding an array of continuous fiber and a chopped fiber dispenser for distributing generally aligned, closely spaced chopped fibers onto the array of continuous fibers in a cross-directional manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Michael H. Jander
  • Publication number: 20070289698
    Abstract: Fiber pattern applicator systems and methods are provided such as for use in creating sensors. A fiber pattern applicator system comprises a fiber writer device that includes a hollow tube having a fiber channel extending therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end. A fiber input aperture is located at the proximal end of the tube, and a fiber guide tip is located at the distal end of the tube. A fiber spool is provided with a continuous fiber material wound thereon. The fiber material is threaded through the fiber channel from the input aperture through the guide tip of the fiber writer device. In a method of forming a fiber pattern on a substrate, the continuous fiber material is applied from the fiber guide tip in a predetermined pattern to a surface of the substrate. The fiber material adheres to the surface of the substrate at a position where initially applied from the guide tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Scott G. Fleischman, Christopher W. Raver
  • Patent number: 7282107
    Abstract: An aircraft part manufacturing device for automated composite lamination on a mandrel surface of a tool having a rotational axis includes a mechanical supporting structure that supports multiple material delivery heads. The tool is moveable and rotatable relative to the mechanical supporting structure. The mechanical supporting structure provides for axial translation of the material delivery heads relative to the mandrel surface while the mandrel surface is rotated for laying down courses of composite material over the entire mandrel surface of the tool. The position and movement of each of the plurality of material delivery heads is individually adjustable. Arm mechanisms provide motion of each material delivery head in a direction normal to the mandrel surface; rotation about an axis normal to the mandrel surface; circumferential position adjustment in a hoop direction relative to the mandrel surface; and axial position adjustment relative to the other material delivery heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brice A. Johnson, Stephen S. Spoon, Randal S. Darras
  • Patent number: 7270531
    Abstract: An assembly for use in continuously forming a plurality of lengths of flexible noise attenuating cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers. The assembly includes a breaker plate having a conically shaped inner portion and a planar outer portion. A plurality of extrusion dies are disposed in the outer portion wherein each die defines a die hold configuration at its lower end for the extrusion of one or more monofilament polymer strands therethrough, and a drive assembly is provided for rotating each of the dies at a predetermined speed such that upon directing a flow of molten monofilament polymer material onto the breaker plate, the material is directed from the inclined central portion onto the planar outer portion where it is extruded through the rotating dies to create a plurality of twisted strands of polymer material that upon cooling, stretching and heating, define lengths of flexible noise attenuating cutting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Proulx Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Proulx, William P. Conley, Rodger D. Thomason
  • Patent number: 7255759
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of nonwovens. The nonwovens including a spunbonding apparatus for forming a first web of nonwoven material on a first belt, and a meltblowing apparatus for forming a second web of nonwoven material on a second belt. The second belt moves in a direction opposite the first belt and after formation, the second web is deposited on said first web to form a composite spunbond and meltblown web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Albany International Corp.
    Inventors: Pascal Debyser, Jean-Louis Monnerie
  • Patent number: 7204286
    Abstract: An apparatus 1 for continuously forming an FRP square pipe comprises a long core 10 for laminating prepreg sheets, and to this core 10 are fed prepreg sheets from prepreg laminating devices 20, 30, 40 and 50 with a release film interposed between the core, so as to be laminated into square pipe form. The core 10 has an outer diameter size smaller than the inner diameter size of the square pipe to be formed. The outer circumference of the square pipe is wrapped with a tape-like film fed from a tape-like release film wrapping device 200 in spiral fashion, and the work is heated and pressed in a hot press 100. The work is then subjected to additional heating in a postcure furnace 110 to form the FRP square pipe. The square pipe is intermittently pulled by a puller 130 disposed downstream of a clamp 120. The pipe is then cut to predetermined lengths by a cutter not shown to be completed as a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Jamco Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Kasai, Makoto Okamoto, Shuntaro Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 7191813
    Abstract: A method for producing a spunbonded nonwoven fabric by extruding a linear sheet of filaments arranged parallelly side by side in the form of a curtain from a plurality of spinning capillaries, involving aerodynamical pulling off and drawing of the filament sheet, the filament sheet (8) which emerges from the drawing duct (12) or which is pulled off a spool being moved laterally crosswise by an air flow having periodically changing directions, the air flow being oriented alternately at an angle toward the filament sheet (8) as viewed in the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Engelbert Löcher, Michael Hess
  • Patent number: 7137182
    Abstract: A device for fabricating a composite article having a plurality of material dispensers to increase productivity. The device includes a structure defining a work surface datum, the plurality of material dispensers which are movable relative to the structure, where each of the material dispensers applies a strip material to the work surface datum along a predetermined axis, and wherein each of said predetermined axes are parallel to one another and where the strip material as applied to the work surface datum forms a layer. A method for fabricating a composite in accordance with the present invention is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Paul E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7115180
    Abstract: Process and system for fabricating a multidirectional fibrous reinforcement designed to be a porous preform for producing a part made of a composite material. Reinforcing thread is deposited in successive layers on a support surface. A binder is provided in association with the reinforcing thread so as to adhere the reinforcing thread to the support surface and the successive layers of thread. The reinforcing thread is pressed against the support surface in a manner that exerts a pressure substantially perpendicular to the support surface at the point where the thread is deposited. The binder may be pre-applied to the support surface or it can be applied simultaneously with the reinforcement thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hexcel Reinforcements
    Inventor: Alain Bruyère
  • Patent number: 7083698
    Abstract: An aircraft part manufacturing device for automated composite lay up includes a mandrel tool having a an interior mandrel surface that conforms to an outside mold line (OML) of a part: to be manufactured. One or more circular rings surround the mandrel and are attached to the mandrel. The circular rings rotate supported by bearings in a bearing cradle so that the mandrel rotates concentrically with the circular rings about an axis of rotation passing through the center of the circular rings. A composite material delivery head delivers material directly to the outside mold line on the interior mandrel surface while the mandrel is rotated. A cantilever supported gantry beam supports the material delivery head inside the interior mandrel surface. A connecting mechanism connects the material delivery head to the gantry beam and provides motion of the material delivery head relative to the interior mandrel surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Dwight L. Engwall, Mark G. Yonash, Randall R. Clark, Jeffrey A. New
  • Patent number: 7070830
    Abstract: In a method of the present invention for producing elastomer/steel-wire composite, a steel wire is drawn through a plurality of drawing dies, and the steel wire is coated with an elastomer within 30 secs. after the steel wire passed through the final drawing die. An apparatus of the present invention for producing an elastomer/steel-wire composite comprises a wire drawer for drawing a steel wire through a plurality of drawing dies, and a rubber coater for coating the steel wire with an elastomer, and the coating is completed within 30 secs. after the steel wire passed through the final drawing die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Imamiya
  • Patent number: 7060148
    Abstract: A method for adhering together lanes of a compressible product includes inserting a wedge device between two separate lanes of a compressible product to split apart at least a portion of the lanes of product, advancing either the wedge device or the separate lanes of the compressible product to move the wedge device and lanes relative to one another, applying an adhesive onto an inside wall of one or both of the lanes of compressible product while at least a portion of the lanes are split, and contacting the inside walls of the lanes to form a single adhered product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Murray S. Toas, Dave Suda, Thomas A. Cuthbertson
  • Patent number: 6971430
    Abstract: An apparatus for casting sails comprising a roll stand configured to supply a carrier film. The apparatus contains a support mechanism for the carrier film, and further comprises of a drawing mechanism, a first resin dispenser, a first wiper portion, two yarn applicators, a second resin dispenser, a second wiper portion, an element applicator, a calendar, and curing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Ward Omohundro
  • Patent number: 6968883
    Abstract: Multi-application head for fiber strips, consisting of a spool carrier (1), on which a plurality of spools are attached (2) as suppliers of the application strips (3), which are fed separately into the proximity of the application area (4), where they pass through a feed port, passing through guide combs (5 and 6) which position them according to a collateral distribution and through rollers (7 and 8) which drive each one of the strips (3) towards the application area (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Manuel Torres Martinez
  • Patent number: 6958102
    Abstract: In a method of the present invention for producing an unvulcanized-rubber/steel-wire composite, steel wires are continuously drawn, and the drawn steel wires are not taken up but fed to a rubber coater so that the steel wires are coated with unvulcanized rubber. An apparatus of the present invention for producing an unvulcanized-rubber/steel-wire composite comprises a wire drawer for drawing steel wires continuously, and a rubber coater for coating the steel wires with unvulcanized rubber, and the steel wires drawn by the wire drawer are not taken up but are led to the rubber coater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Imamiya
  • Patent number: 6926055
    Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a unique non-woven fabric which has the appearance of a woven fabric includes a supply station for adhesive coated parallel warp yarns, a support structure for orienting the parallel warp yarns into a cylindrical orientation with the adhesive coating on the outside, a weft yarn applicator for wrapping weft yarns around the cylindrically oriented warp yarns, a heating station for activating the adhesive and a cooling station for setting the adhesive, and a cutter for severing the cylindrically formed fabric composite so that it can be flattened and wrapped onto a take-up roller. The weft yarn applicator includes a rotating drum wherein a plurality of spools of weft yarn material are mounted in circumferentially spaced relationship. Tension on the weft yarns is provided by the rotation of the drum (centrifugal force) and a stationary conical aligner is used to guide the weft yarn material onto the warp yarns in substantially perpendicular alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Paul G. Swiszcz
  • Patent number: 6889740
    Abstract: A coil of tubing can have either adjacent tubes or tubes with a space therebetween. To hold the tubes in place a material such as an adhesive can be placed across the top of the coil, on the bottom of the coil or both to hold the coil in place. The material can also envelope the coils such that the coils are banded. The coils may have a length of a straight portion of tubing prior to the coil beginning and an angled portion on the inside diameter for inserting or extracting a product in the tubing which may be similarly retained. The tubing may be coiled by insertion between two templates. The templates have injection ports for inserting material to hold or encase the tubing. Thus the tubing may be inserted in the templates, a material to hold the tubing in the coiled position inserted and the coiled tubing removed from the templates ready for use in their coiled position with the material on the tubing holding the tubing in the coiled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Minnesota Medical Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Globensky, Frederick J. Fisher, Michael Afremov, Brian Packard
  • Patent number: 6887331
    Abstract: A method for producing a spunbonded nonwoven fabric by extruding a linear sheet of filaments arranged parallelly side by side in the form of a curtain from a plurality of spinning capillaries, involving aerodynamical pulling off and drawing of the filament sheet, the filament sheet (8) which emerges from the drawing duct (12) or which is pulled off a spool being moved laterally crosswise by an air flow having periodically changing directions, the air flow being oriented alternately at an angle toward the filament sheet (8) as viewed in the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Engelbert Löcher, Michael Hess
  • Patent number: 6883574
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for application of adhesive tape to semiconductor devices are disclosed. A first adhesively coated tape material length is supplied to a first die associated with a cutting and application mechanism. A second length of adhesively coated tape material is also provided to a second die of the cutting and application mechanism. A plurality of LOC leadframes is supplied sequentially through the application structure to apply a first decal cut from the first tape material to a first die site at a first location and to apply a second decal cut from the second tape material to a second die site at a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6821293
    Abstract: A patterned sheet having two long sides is wrapped around a mandrel. The mandrel is provided with at least one flat surface. The long sides of the sheet are secured adjacent to the flat surface of the mandrel and points along the long sides of the sheet are connected by laser welding or other connecting means. The laser beam is directed substantially perpendicular to the welding plane of the points to be welded, even if the weld points do not all lie on a single line parallel to the mandrel's longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Medinol Ltd.
    Inventor: Gregory Pinchasik
  • Patent number: 6814828
    Abstract: A method and device for producing melt-spun continuous threads includes two preparers spaced apart from one another, at each of which a partial quantity of a preparation is applied to the threads. A first preparation is performed upstream of a first draw-off device and a second downstream of the first draw-off device. As a result, high cohesion of the filaments in the thread is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Neumag GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Diethard Huebner
  • Patent number: 6802353
    Abstract: A production line for manufacturing disposable absorbent articles from bulk starting polymeric materials including virgin and on-line recycled polymeric materials. The production line includes a continuous process that links the steps of forming the webs with the steps of converting the webs into disposable absorbent articles. The production line recycles non-woven materials produced on the production line back into the production process of producing disposable absorbent articles. The recycling operations can also include a spun-bonded recycling and a melt-blown recycling. The production line can be a single-product-lane operation or a multiple-product-lane operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nezam Malakouti, James Harold Davis, Alan Christopher Pattillo, Terrill Alan Young
  • Patent number: 6800164
    Abstract: A composite reinforcing rod is formed by providing a reinforcing material supply of fiber strands rovings; a resin supply bath, and a puller for pulling the resin-impregnated reinforcing material through the resin bath. A hot compression (or autoclave) apparatus includes two half autoclave molds, which can be arranged in a reciprocating die autoclave or a tractor die autoclave process. A mandrel or plastics tubing core may be used to form a hollow shape of the composite materials to get an external threaded composite tubing. The two autoclave molds have an internal thread and clamp to form the threaded section in the outer of the resin-impregnated reinforcing material. The molds press and squeeze the resin out of the impregnated fibers to the mold internal surfaces, and push the outer fibers longitudinal roving fibers toward the crest of the thread of the molds so that the thread when formed is reinforced by fibers extending into the core of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Randel Brandstrom
  • Patent number: 6773531
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming a plurality of multi-layered filaments from multiple thermoplastic synthetic polymers and an apparatus containing a melt spinning beam comprising an orthogonal beam having disposed within said beam multiple polymer inlet passages each communicating with separate multiple coat hanger distribution manifolds, separate filters connected downstream of each coat hanger distribution manifold, a spinneret connected downstream of said filters with separate polymer flow passages communicating with separate exit orifices for spinning of said multi-layered filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Edgar N. Rudisill, Vishal Bansal, Michael C. Davis
  • Patent number: 6764057
    Abstract: A pultrusion die is usually fashioned of multiple pieces. One or more die components, and possibly all die components, can be formed by facing less precisely machined and finished tooling materials with highly polished sheet metal. Other possible die components can be formed from conventionally machined and polished steel surfaces. The surfaces that will form the inside of the die are highly polished. The components are fastened together in a pattern that will assure uniform pressure and good heat transfer among the components. The entrance and exit orifices are optionally provided with beveled edges to improve entrance of materials into and release of the finished product from the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kazak Composites, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerome P. Fanucci, James J. Gorman, Christian Koppernaes
  • Patent number: 6763869
    Abstract: In a pultrusion device for producing continuous length sections prepared from thermoplastic resins reinforced with long fibers, the vertical angle (&agr;) of an upstream conical surface of a conical portion, which constitutes a shaping nozzle perforated through the downstream end wall of the device ranges from 15 to 35 degrees and the shaping nozzle has a land portion having a length of 1 to 5 mm in the downstream area subsequent to the upstream conical surface. According to this pultrusion device for producing continuous length sections prepared from thermoplastic resins reinforced with long fibers, the long fibers never undergo any breakage nor fluffing during the opening treatment and this accordingly leads to the substantial reduction of pill-formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Chisso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sakai, Rikio Yonaiyama
  • Patent number: 6752190
    Abstract: Fiber laminations with a resin therein are advanced to substantial cure in situ while resin-impregnated fiber (in the form of individual tows, a band thereof, or a tape) is being placed on a workpiece on the mandrel by preheating the fiber in a temperature range of 100-700° F. for partially advancing the cure of the resin in the fiber, shaping the fiber to the desired shape, and laying up the partially advanced fiber on the workpiece on the mandrel while simultaneously nip-point heating the fiber in an area proximate to the point where the fiber is being placed on the workpiece. A plurality of parameters are monitored during this placement in order to control the nip-point heating so that the resin in the fiber is substantially cured while the fiber is being placed on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Boll, Kenneth A. Lowe, William T. McCarvill, Michael R. McCloy
  • Patent number: 6742560
    Abstract: Two flat fiber bundles of non-twisted filaments are arranged in an overlapped relationship or in a parallel and adjoining relationship, and held by a gripper at two points spaced apart from each other in the filament-extending direction. Compressed air is injected from a nozzle to the overlapped portion of the fiber bundles between the holding points at a plurality of positions arranged in the direction transverse to the filament-extending direction to cause the adjacent filaments to be entangled. The nozzle is moved across the fiber bundles while injecting air. Filaments are thus opened and rotated by the injected air, and thus entangled. A fiber bundle joining apparatus includes support sections and a receiving section provided in a base, a gripper cooperating with the support sections to grip overlapped ends of fiber bundles therebetween, a nozzle, and a regulating member to temporarily hold the fiber bundles and to allow the lower fiber bundle to be slackened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Junji Takeuchi, Yasuki Miyashita, Yoshiharu Yasui
  • Patent number: 6705002
    Abstract: A tool for inserting wires or cables in a flexible harness wrap is disclosed. The tool includes a first member and a second member connected to the first member. The first member has an extension member connected thereto, and a first nose portion extending at an oblique angle from the first bottom end. The second member has a receiving member connected thereto, and a second nose portion extending at an oblique angle from the second bottom end. The first and second members are movable from a first, closed position to a second, open position. The open position is at least 50 degrees from the closed position. A method of inserting wires or cables in a flexible harness wrap is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Allen Dukes, Jack E. Caveney
  • Patent number: 6656316
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process of forming a prepreg material having substantially no voids. According to the process of the invention, the reinforcing material is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the impregnating resin. The prepreg formed has substantially no voids and does not require lengthy consolidation when formed into useful articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Joel A. Dyksterhouse
  • Patent number: 6627031
    Abstract: A tagging material comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive tape incorporating electromagnetic sensor material whose presence can be detected. Tags are cut from the tagging material as the tagging material and articles are conveyed along converging paths and are adhered to the articles by the adhesive of the tape by means of apparatus comprising a tagging material feeding means and an applicator head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: P. P. Payne Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Pinchen, Andrew Dean, Gary Brooks
  • Patent number: 6607019
    Abstract: A first adhesively coated tape material length is supplied to a first die associated with a cutting and application mechanism. A second length of adhesively coated tape material is also provided to a second die of the cutting and application mechanism. A plurality of LOC leadframes is supplied sequentially through the application structure to apply a first decal cut from the first tape material to a first die site at a first location and to apply a second decal cut from the second tape material to a second die site at a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20030145932
    Abstract: A composite material collation machine and associated method for fiber tape placement and consolidation at a relatively high rate are provided. The composite material collation machine includes a laser diode array for heating at least one fiber tape, a compaction device for pressing the fiber tape against a workpiece, an inspection system for monitoring the fiber tape, and a controller. The inspection system produces an output representative of at least one characteristic of the fiber tape, and the controller is capable of receiving the output and, based on the output, automatically altering at least one system parameter defining an operational characteristic of the composite material collation machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Scott T. Holmes, Bruce E. McIlroy, Roger W. Engelbart, Stanley A. Lawton
  • Patent number: 6601627
    Abstract: A device 1 for continuously manufacturing an FRP square pipe includes a core 10 having a long length for laminating prepreg sheets thereto, and prepreg sheets are supplied from prepreg-sheet laminating devices 20, 30, 40, and 50 to said core 10 covered with a release film, said laminated sheets laminated into the shape of a square pipe. Said core 10 has an outer diameter size smaller than the inner diameter size of the square pipe to be manufactured. A pre-expansion device 80 expands said laminated prepreg sheets to the shape of a square pipe having a predetermined inner diameter size, and a hot press device 100 heats and pressurizes the pipe. The pipe is then additionally heated in a postcure furnace 110 to complete the forming process. A pulling device 130 arranged downstream of a cramp device 120 pulls out said square pipe intermittently. A cutter not shown cuts said square pipe to produce the desired product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Jamco Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Kasai, Akiyoshi Sugawara, Makoto Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20030121590
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a process for the production of a multi-directional textile preform, in which there is deposited on a substrate suitable for stitching (M) a first layer of sections of thread, then, if desired, one or several other layers in different directions, so as to produce a sequence of depositions, then, carrying out if desired one or several other sequences of deposition of layers, each section of thread (31, 32, 33) being, at each end, fixed by stitching without knotting into said substrate (M) with the help of a needle (11, 12), characterized in that the stitching at the two ends of each section (31, 32, 33) is carried out independently with the help of two needles (11, 12) using separate threads (Pl , P2) from that of the layers, the end of the section of thread being, upon arrival of the deposition head at the height of its point of turning back, fixed by the stitching thread, the embedded stitching needle serving as a hooking pin for the thread during deposition of the following se
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Georges Cahuzac, Fabien Barrot
  • Publication number: 20030089446
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus wherein each pair of jaws (42) is mounted on a carriage (29, 31) freely mobile on longitudinal slide rails and subjected to the action of springs (28, 32) pushing them towards a retractable stop borne by the frame of the other carriage, while the frame (1) of one of the carriages (29) is itself mounted sliding on transverse slide rails (8) and is coupled to drive means (10) capable of moving it on said rails (8) between an initial position, wherein the pairs of jaws (42, 43) are aligned, and a connecting position, wherein the pairs of jaws are offset and the retractable stops retracted, and the hot blade is borne by a carriage vertically mobile, in both directions, on vertical slide rails (20), said carriage (27) having the shape of a wedge whereof the two lateral sides are profiled and co-operate each, after the retractable stops are retracted and while the blade (27) is being raised, with a roller having a horizontal axis projecting rearward of the corresponding frame or
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Baradon, Pierre Francois Leon Mellinger, Michel Thoinet
  • Publication number: 20030079332
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods permit splicing or joining a plurality of tubing ends. A central tubular member has a fluid passage therethrough. The tubing ends are mounted over the extremities of the tubular member, and are held in place by a multi-part sleeve around the central member and cooperating detents (on the exterior of the tubular member and on the interior of the sleeve) that pinch or bite the tubing when the sleeve is actuated (such as via a turnbuckle action) to force cooperating pairs of the detents toward each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Olson Irrigation Systems
    Inventor: Donald O. Olson
  • Patent number: 6554930
    Abstract: An apparatus for welding monofilaments at a loom makes possible a method for a continuous process for weaving monofilaments into fabric. The apparatus comprises a stand (15) on which is mounted welding apparatus (16) and a filament alignment block (20). In the method, a monofilament (30a) in the loom is welded to the leading end of a monofilament (30) on a new spool of monofilament. By welding new monofilament to monofilament in the loom, restringing of the loom is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Robert John Gartland, Kenneth Michael Kot, Jimmy Lee Richards
  • Publication number: 20030070743
    Abstract: In a technique for joining ends of coaxial tubular members, adhesive is applied to their external surfaces at their ends and an expandable insert assembly is positioned longitudinally within them so as to be coextensive with the adjoining ends. Planar side pieces on the assembly are advanced into conforming engagement with the inside surfaces of the tubular members at their adjoining ends, the adhesive is cured to fixedly join the tubular members together, then the side pieces are withdrawn. Simultaneously, the external surfaces of the tubular members are clamped in the region of their adjoining ends until full curing of the adhesive has been achieved. The insert assembly includes a bladder of flexible material with planar side pieces being attached to the inside or outside surfaces and the insert assembly advanced so the bladder engages the internal surfaces of the tubular members at their adjoining ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: John Kesapradist, Brian G. Robins
  • Publication number: 20030029547
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for positioning a plurality of reinforcement strands including a spliced reinforcement strand in a desired spatial relationship prior to a forming die. The process comprises the steps of: positioning a plurality of uninterrupted reinforcement strands moving toward a forming die so that the uninterrupted strands extend from a first location upstream of the forming die to the forming die in a space-apart converging configuration; and positioning at least one spliced reinforcement strand so that it extends generally centrally through the center of the converging configuration of the uninterrupted strands. The apparatus comprises first and second guide structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: David L. Fecko, David V. Stotler, Glen F. Day, Brent Carver
  • Patent number: 6514063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and tooling for forming a stent and the stent so formed. The stent includes filaments of a first material and joints of a second material. The present invention also discloses the above described stent in combination with an angioplasty balloon. The tooling in accordance with the present invention provides a fixture having grooves that receive the filaments of the stent to hold the filaments in place for joining. The joining of all of the filaments can be performed simultaneously by laser welding or injection molding a joint material. The tooling in accordance with the present invention also provides the capability to mold the stent as one piece. The method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of providing a fixture with internal grooves, placing filaments into the grooves and joining the filaments together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Acciai, Richard R. Hall, John T. Legg
  • Patent number: 6446691
    Abstract: Robust homofilament fibers are meltspun from a differently shaped dual capillary spinneret design to induce differential fiber morphology to produce crimping. Crimping may further be aided by quenching and drawing of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Enrique Maldonado, Kurtis Lee Brown, Jeffrey D. Shelley, Braulio Polanco
  • Publication number: 20020074089
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a uniform web of filaments comprises tube filament transport means exiting through a confined zone of reduced turbulence, which preferably comprises a delivery slot. The delivery slot is configured with sidewalls substantially parallel to one another and to the transport tubes, so that filaments undergo minimal machine direction deflection in the slot. Charging means within the slot charge the filaments for further cross direction separation. A method of providing a uniform web of filaments comprises transporting filaments through transport tubes, through a tapered transition member, and into a delivery slot. The delivery slot is defined by sidewalls that are substantially parallel to one another and to the transport tubes, so that minimal machine direction deflection of the filaments occurs. The filaments are also charged by electrostatic charging means while they are in the slot for further separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Ferencz, Jian Weng, Brian Yamanouchi
  • Patent number: 6394163
    Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of stripe-like phosphor layers on a surface of a substrate constituting a plasma display panel, the surface having a plurality of parallel ribs disposed thereon and grooves defined between two adjacent ribs, includes the steps of: molding a phosphor paste composed of a phosphor substance and a first synthetic resin into filament-like article; placing the molded filament-like article into each groove; filling the grooves with a solvent optionally containing a second synthetic resin compatible with the first synthetic resin; and conducting a sintering treatment of the substrate to form the phosphor layers in the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Yoshimi Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 6341637
    Abstract: A tube connecting apparatus for grasping and heating to melt and alternately connect the cut ends of a plurality of tubes is disclosed. A first tube holder and a second tube holder for grasping the tubes are provided with a pair of clamps having holding portions for holding a plurality of tubes; each of the pair of clamps being moved into contact with, and away from, each other. One or both of the holding portions of the first tube holder and the second tube holder are formed of semi-circular separatable members and having a symmetry of rotation in relation to the center of the rotating axis, and have a grasping means for moving into contact with, and away from, the pair of clamps and have a rotating means for rotating the semi-circular holding portions of one or both of the first tube holder and the second tube holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yamada, Hiroaki Sano, Yoshiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6277238
    Abstract: The method for the manufacture of sections of fiber-plastic compound materials is carried out by means of at least one draw nozzle (10). In this nozzle, fibers (41) which are impregnated with flowable plastic (42) are formed under pressure to a product (41) with a predetermined cross-section and consolidated with the withdrawal of heat. The cross-sectional surface of the draw nozzle is periodically increased and decreased in time in its entire shape imparting region, with a value for the frequency of the oscillating cross-sectional surface being chosen less that 1 kHz, preferably less than 100 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Sulzer Innotec AG
    Inventors: Albert Maria Vodermayer, Jens Kärger, Hans Erlach
  • Patent number: 6267167
    Abstract: A first adhesively coated tape material length is supplied to a first die associated with a cutting and application mechanism. A second length of adhesively coated tape material is also provided to a second die of the cutting and application mechanism. A plurality of LOC leadframes is supplied sequentially through the application structure to apply a first decal cut from the first tape material to a first die site at a first location and to apply a second decal cut from the second tape material to a second die site at a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6230775
    Abstract: In the embodiment described in the specification, a high temperature wet filament winding arrangement has a wet bath containing a resin at a temperature above 500° F. and filaments drawn from a spool rack are passed through the wet bath and then through a heated comb which maintains the temperature of the filaments above 500° F., after which the filaments are passed through a heated passage controlled to maintain the temperature above 500° F. A winding eye, also heated to maintain the filament temperature above 500° F., directs the heated fibers onto a mandrel where they are wound in uniform layers into the form of a final product. A mandrel heater heats the mandrel to which the fibers are being applied so as to maintain a uniform temperature above 500° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Mitchell D. Smith, Pieter James Van Dine
  • Patent number: 6232736
    Abstract: The present invention is embodied in an automated system for the positioning and support of a machine tool within a workpiece supporting assembly, comprising a pair of generally parallel, planar longitudinal translation modules affixed to the assembly and having longitudinal sliding pads and a longitudinal movement device, a transverse translation module affixed to the longitudinal sliding pads in a generally perpendicular orientation to the longitudinal modules and having transverse sliding pads and a transverse movement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: George Nicholas Bullen
  • Patent number: 6193829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and tooling for forming a stent and the stent so formed. The stent includes filaments of a first material and joints of a second material. The present invention also discloses the above described stent in combination with an angioplasty balloon. The tooling in accordance with the present invention provides a fixture having grooves that receive the filaments of the stent to hold the filaments in place for joining. The joining of all of the filaments can be performed simultaneously by laser welding or injection molding a joint material. The tooling in accordance with the present invention also provides the capability to mold the stent as one piece. The method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of providing a fixture with internal grooves, placing filaments into the grooves and joining the filaments together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Acciai, Richard R. Hall, John T. Legg