Indefinite Or Running Length Flexible Strand, Rod, Tube, Or Filament Uniting Patents (Class 156/433)
  • Patent number: 6096165
    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: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6096164
    Abstract: A fiber placement machine undergoes a plurality of axes of motion in locating a delivery head (containing a compaction roller) perpendicular to a mandrel, with relative movement between the head and the mandrel along a predetermined path, which may be over a complex compounded shape. The machine includes a temperature controlled creel where rovings (or tows) of fibrous material are stored on spools and are fed from the creel to the delivery head. The delivery head processes the tows into a band and applies the band on the surface of the mandrel by means of the roller compaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon M. Benson, Dee R. Gill, James P. Nielsen, Hosein Mansouri, Noel I. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6073670
    Abstract: A method and fiber-placement head are provided for placing fibers into a plurality of channels of a mold to form the ribs of a structural member, including panels, cylinders and cones, or even a ribbed latticework structure by itself. While providing relative movement between the mold and a plurality of fiber-placement heads, fibers are simultaneously placed into a number of the channels of the mold by means of the heads. The relative movement and placement is repeated as often as necessary in order to dispose into the channels a desired thickness of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Isogrid Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Koury
  • Patent number: 6050315
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the manufacture of fiber reinforced structures wherein tooling and a delivery head are employed for the placement of discrete, elongated fiber elements in mutually superimposed relationship to define reinforcement or stiffening members on fiber elements for the interiors or exteriors of composite shells and the consolidation of the fibers to form the cured composite structure. A consolidation medium is provided for the positioning and control of the fiber elements on the hard tooling and during the curing of the fiber elements. Method and apparatus for the manufacture of fiber reinforced structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Deckers, Vernon M. Benson, Michael R. McCloy, Todd A. Rosevear, Dennis Hegerhorst, Boyd L. Hatch, Keith G. Shupe
  • Patent number: 6048427
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for resin injected pultrusion is provided. The method comprises injecting a resin material into a reinforcement pack at a sufficiently high pressure such that the pressure in the injection area or weir of the injection die is substantially equal to the compression pressure applied by the exit portion of the injection die. An apparatus for achieving the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James V. Gauchel, Richard N. Lehman
  • Patent number: 6026882
    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, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignees: CKD Corporation, Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yamada, Hiroaki Sano, Yoshiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6026883
    Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for placement of discrete fiber element tows on a mandrel or other tooling. The apparatus carries a spooled fiber element supply, which is directed to a compaction roller over a short, non-convoluted path through a cut/add module having a knife assembly for severing a discrete tow from a continuous fiber element filament, and a drive assembly for feeding the tow and restarting feed of a new tow after severance of the prior one from the filament. The apparatus is particularly suitable for sequentially laying up superimposed, or stacked, tows to define rib-like stiffeners of composite material for reinforcing composite shell structures, and grids of such stiffeners. Methods of using the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Hegerhorst, Boyd L. Hatch, Keith G. Shupe
  • Patent number: 6019152
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing the heating efficiency of a nonwoven web using heated air are provided. A flow modifier including a turbulence inducing bar arrangement is positioned between the heated air supply and the nonwoven web. The flow modifier increases the turbulence of the heated air before it contacts the nonwoven web, resulting in more thorough penetration of the web by the air, and better convective heat transfer between the heated air and the nonwoven web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan David Haynes, Jark C. Lau, Lee Cullen Boney, Robert James Baldy
  • Patent number: 5954917
    Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for forming structural members from layers of uncured composite material. The apparatus comprises a first station having at least one tape dispensing module, a second station where tape layers that have been deposited on a tool are vacuum treated in order to remove air entrapped between layers of the tape, and a track system which enables movement of the tool between the first and second stations as well as a tool storage station. The process of building the structural members comprises dispensing tape from each of the modules at the first station onto a tool, then removing entrapped air from between layers of deposited tape, then dispensing further layers of tape, then removing entrapped air, etc., until the desired tape configuration has been achieved. Until such built-up structural member is cured, it is stored in racks in the tool storage station. A unique "partial ply" module is disclosed for applying tape segments to the side forming surfaces of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Boeing North American, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana B. Jackson, Ronald G. Halcomb, Don L. Asher, John E. Vogt
  • Patent number: 5954904
    Abstract: A head assembly for a pultrusion process for pultruding pultrudable material is provided. The head assembly includes a floating adjustable assembly carrying a pultrusion die. The die has a center line disposed proximate the center line of the process and an entrance, and an exit. The material passing from the entrance to the exit of the die in forming an acceptable finished shape is maintained when formed with the center line of the exit of the die always remaining stationary and disposed proximate the center line of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Stanley Rokicki
    Inventor: Stanley Rokicki
  • Patent number: 5948189
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe using pneumatic equipment. The functions of the fusing apparatus are controlled by a programmable computer. Further, as each fuse is performed, a GPS system provides and stores the geographical location of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Global Utility Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Owen Parish, II, Joseph G. Gho, Randall Jeff Kozak, Garry Joseph Anderson
  • Patent number: 5932038
    Abstract: A structural panel, board, or beam and method of making same, with straw that is oriented is provided. The straw is preferably oriented such that strands are parallel oriented in one or more directions. The straw strands are chopped, split, and a binder such as MDI is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Alberta Research Council
    Inventors: Lars Bach, Kenneth W. Domier, Raymond Holowach
  • Patent number: 5916413
    Abstract: In a welding device having a heating device (14) for heating thermoplastic fiber composite material tapes (15, 16), the surfaces of the thermoplastic fiber tapes (15, 16) are melted by means of the heating device (14) in order to weld the thermoplastic fiber tapes (15, 16) to each other. At least one extended heating element is arranged on the heating device (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce Johnson, Vishal Mallick, Fran.cedilla.ois Meynard
  • Patent number: 5914002
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a system for producing a reinforcement for a composite component, formed by said reinforcement embedded in a cured matrix, said reinforcement comprising superposed plies of thread. According to the invention, the system comprises means (5) for the memory storage and processing of data, in which means the mathematical model of the reinforcement (A) to be produced may be created and stored in memory and which are capable of controlling means (3) for steering the tool (1) for laying down and/or stitching thread (F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventor: Georges Cahuzac
  • Patent number: 5902447
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a flash-free weld between the ends of thermoplastic members, wherein the members are held in position by holders, the ends of the members are softened by a heater, the members and holders are brought together until the ends of the members are joined to result in a flash-free weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Orin S. Johnson, Gary A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5876553
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming reinforcing structural rebar comprises: resin supply means for supplying a first resin; a first shaping die; means for impregnating a first reinforcing material with the first resin; means for pulling the resin-impregnated first reinforcing material through the shaping die to form the core of the structural rebar; material applying means for applying material for the outer cladding of the structural rebar to the core; and mold means for molding the outer cladding layer into a desired configuration on the core. The material applying means for applying the outer cladding includes means for applying an inner cladding layer over the core and means for applying an outer cladding layer over the inner layer. The inner cladding layer includes a second thermosetting resin containing a second reinforcing material, and the inner cladding layer applying means is configured so that the second reinforcing material is applied substantially unidirectionally along the longitudinal axis of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Marshall Industries Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 5807451
    Abstract: Pile weatherstripping having rows of pile and longitudinal fins both within and external to the rows of pile. The heights of the fins with respect to the height of the pile may be independently varied and controlled. A travelling endless band receives a pair of first webs providing internal fins on opposite sides of the band. The first webs are indexed to the edges of the band, which defines the heights of the fins. Each web may be independently indexed. Alignment of the webs on the band is provided either by an aligning fixture or by coining the webs to provide lines of indentations which index the webs at the edges of the band. The yarn which forms the pile is wound around the first webs. Second webs providing the external fins are indexed through the yarn and first webs to the edges of the band and are also aligned by a second aligning fixture or by coining. Backing strips are attached, as by ultrasonic welding, along the edges of the band. Then the yarn is slit without cutting into the webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Ultrafab, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5807462
    Abstract: An assembly and process for continuously forming flexible cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers of the type having two or more monofilament lines mounted on a common spool. The line produced by the present invention defines two monofilament strands joined together in a side by side relationship by a severable bond. The process includes the step of extruding one or more pairs of molten filament strands in proximate disposition through an extrusion die, directing the strands together about a collecting guide adjustably mounted in a cooling quench bath to initiate the forming of a severable weld between the adjacent strands. The elevation of the collecting guide within the quench tank is adjustable to vary the strength of the formed weld. The joined strands are then pulled in a parallel array through the quench bath and about a plurality of guide members therein to effect the crystallization and bonding together of the pairs of strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Proulx Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Proulx
  • Patent number: 5800651
    Abstract: A method is provided for pultruding a glass reinforced plastic door panel that is field alterable to fit an out-of-true frame. A mixture of reinforcing fibers and resin is pulled through a set of dies to form a panel having a pair of face sheets that are spaced apart by a hinge side stile at one panel edge and a strike, or lock, side stile at the other panel edge. The hinge side stile is arranged perpendicularly to the face sheets to form a closed panel edge, and the strike side stile is formed as a thick-walled structural channel open to the panel side. The pultruded panel is thereafter cut to lengths equal to the desired height of a door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Smartdoor Fiberglass Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald F. Williamson
  • Patent number: 5783013
    Abstract: A method for performing resin injected pultrusion employing different resin materials is provided. The method comprises impregnating the interior layers of a pultrusion reinforcement pack with a first resin material, adding the exterior layers to form a pultrusion pack and impregnating the pack with a resin material substantially nonidentical to the first resin material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Jay J. Beckman, James V. Gauchel
  • Patent number: 5747075
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for resin injected pultrusion is provided. The method comprises injecting a resin material into a reinforcement pack at a sufficiently high pressure such that the pressure in the injection area or weir of the injection die is substantially equal to the compression pressure applied by the exit portion of the injection die. An apparatus for achieving the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology Inc.
    Inventors: James V. Gauchel, Richard N. Lehman
  • Patent number: 5745991
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for producing electrical harnesses. The machine comprises: a rectilinear main conveyor (1) suitable for moving clamps (2) for transferring the ends (4, 5) of lengths (3) of wire; a bench (9); and a station (6) for loading lengths (3) of wire and situated on a first side of the main conveyor, while the loop-forming portions (3a) of said lengths of wire are situated on a second side of the main conveyor. The machine also includes a fixed rectilinear transverse slideway (13) orthogonal to the main conveyor and forming a support for guiding components (18, 19, 20, 21) in translation. The machine further includes a device for moving and positioning components on the slideway, and a clamp (40) for inserting the ends of the lengths of wire, which clamp is mounted on a support that is movable in rotation and in translation relative to an axis (YY) that is orthogonal to the main conveyor and to the slideway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Louis Soriano
  • Patent number: 5709917
    Abstract: A hollow composite rod manufactured in a pultrusion manufacturing process includes a hollow interior space that may be filled with a liquid, such as water or oil, and subsequently sealed to greatly increase the strength of a resultant rod assembly. The composite rod includes a high strength, pultruded fiber-resin jacket that, at each end, is molded about a reinforced insert to create a fluid-tight seal therebetween. Threaded access apertures are provided through either the reinforced inserts or the jacket itself, to permit the filling or draining of fluid relative to the hollow interior space. Reinforcing sleeves or caps may be molded over a portion of the jacket's exterior to improve the composite rod's resistance to cutting and chipping-type damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph Allen Carmien
  • Patent number: 5698066
    Abstract: A delivery head assembly is provided for forming a tape band from a plurality of tows and applying the band as superimposed layers in a helical pattern on to a mandrel to produce non-uniform cross sectional articles. This head assembly is composed of a distribution section, ribbonizing section, coating section, add section, and compaction roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Johnson, Noel I. Shepherd, Keith G. Shupe, James P. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 5650035
    Abstract: Coilable, tape-like structures are disclosed, that contain parallel segments of dental floss. Each segment has a bead on each of its ends for handling by an applicator. The beads can be fixed to the ends of a floss segment, either by melting its ends (without allowing the melted bead to contact a solid surface) or by press fitting the floss into slits in molded beads and fixing them with a bonding agent. The coilable structures can be made, either by mounting the floss segments onto a flexible tape or by fastening beads of adjacent floss segments together. In the latter version, the floss is (optionally) made stiff enough to support its weight, laterally. Apparatus for producing the coilable structures includes an elongated, substantially-flat, rotating chassis on which floss from a tensioning dispenser is wound. In one embodiment, a tape is held onto the upper surface of the chassis while the floss is wound into slits in the edges of the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventors: Kevin Wayne McGaha, Edward E. McCullough
  • Patent number: 5649786
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making service connection to polyethylene replacement sewer pipe. Specifically, the method involves the steps of (1) locating the service; (2) excavating an opening less than two feet in diameter from the surface to the polyethylene replacement pipe at the service; (3) introducing a fusing apparatus on top of the polyethylene pipe and fusing a stack to the polyethylene pipe; and (4) drilling a opening into the polyethylene pipe through the fused stack. Before drilling the opening into the polyethylene pipe, the stack may be tested to make certain that there are no leaks in the fusing step and that the stack is securely connected to the polyethylene pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: TTI Trenchless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cleve C. Reber, Kurt S. Myers
  • Patent number: 5645677
    Abstract: Machine is provided for the simultaneous laying down/winding of a plurality of rovings, including a gantry supporting a laying down/winding head carrier mechanism plate movable along the X,Y,Z directions, at least one laying down/winding head rotatably mounted on the mechanism plate around at least one vertical axis and comprising a laying down/winding roller, a mechanism for presenting on the roller rovings along at least two tangent laps, selective mechanisms for driving and cutting each roving, and spools delivering the rovings. The spools are mounted on a fixed creel and the rovings are guided between the creel and the head by sets of return pulleys disposed in such a way as to limit the surface scanned by the rovings and reduce the jerks of the roving reeling speed. The machine is especially adapted for production of composite structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme dite Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Georges Jean Joseph Cahuzac, Bernard Andre Jollivet, Jean-Claude Baudry, Bruno Dubearn, Laurent Sabary
  • Patent number: 5645790
    Abstract: There is disclosed a novel apparatus and process for melt-blowing fiberforming thermoplastic polymers at high rates to form high-loft, low density fine fiber webs suitable for insulation applications. The high rates are achieved by mounting melt-blowing spinnerettes on the surfaces of a polygonal cylinder and spinning fibers in a radial fashion, then deflecting the fiber streams 90 degrees by a secondary stream of cold air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Biax-Fiberfilm Corporation
    Inventors: Eckhard C. A. Schwarz, Douglas B. Brown, Michael S. Angell
  • Patent number: 5632838
    Abstract: A continuous process for manufacturing a coated fiber reinforced pultruded article or coated extrudate and the coating composition for use in this process. The coating composition includes an isocyanate resin, at least one active hydrogen-containing resin and at least one solvent having an evaporation rate equal to or less than about 0.5. The process and coating composition of the present invention produce fiber reinforced plastic articles having smooth, adherent surface coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Weidner
  • Patent number: 5632837
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite rod assembly that may be used, for example, as a tool handle includes the steps of feeding a core into a pultrusion die tube and surrounding the core with resin coated fibers. At least one external mold member having a mold face defining an irregular profile shape is inserted into a space between the resin coated fibers and the die tube. The core is pulled through the pultrusion die tube and the at least one external mold member is drawn through the die tube with the resin coated fibers and the core. The resin coated fibers are cured around the core to form a fiber-resin jacket having an outer surface conforming to the irregular profile shape of the mold face. The core itself may have an irregular profile shape so that an inner surface of the fiber-resin jacket conforms thereto to key-lock the fiber-resin jacket to the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph A. Carmien
  • Patent number: 5626700
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming reinforcing structural rebar comprising a core of a thermosetting resin containing reinforcing material and an outer of sheet molding compound is provided. The apparatus comprises layer reinforcing material supply, a thermosetting resin supply means, a shaping die, means for impregnating the reinforcing material the reinforcing material with resin, means for pulling the reinforcing material through the shaping die to form the core of the thermosetting resin containing reinforcing material, sheet molding compound supply, guide means for guiding the sheet molding compound onto the core, and mold means for molding the outer layer of sheet molding compound onto the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Marshall Industries Composites
    Inventor: Mark A. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 5620540
    Abstract: In the method and the machine for manufacturing a bundle (33) of thread-like elements such as tubes or electric cables of finite length and including at least one junction point for a branch, and in which the elements of the bundle are covered by a tape (31) of thermofusible insulating material wrapped transversely about the bundle with the longitudinal edges (31a, 31b) of the tape being united by welding, two rows each comprising a plurality of wheels (9 to 14) for driving the bundle (33) and the tape (31) are provided, the wheels pressing against the tape, a V-shape being previously imparted to the tape by a guide situated upstream from the wheels, said rows of wheels defining between them a through path (18) for the bundle, the path being upwardly open and passing successively beneath a first horizontal guide (23) for folding down one of the sides of the V-shape against the bundle, beneath a nozzle (36) for blowing hot air into the angle formed between the folded-down side (31a) and the non-folded-down sid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Plasto SA
    Inventors: Henri Bigot, Michel Caure
  • Patent number: 5613807
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making service connection to polyethylene replacement sewer pipe. Specifically, the method involves the steps of (1) locating the service; (2) excavating an opening less than two feet in diameter from the surface to the polyethylene replacement pipe at the service; (3) introducing a fusing apparatus on top of the polyethylene pipe and fusing a stack to the polyethylene pipe; and (4) drilling a opening into the polyethylene pipe through the fused stack. Before drilling the opening into the polyethylene pipe, the stack may be tested to make certain that there are no leaks in the fusing step and that the stack is securely connected to the polyethylene pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: TTI Trenchless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cleve C. Reber, Kurt S. Myers
  • Patent number: 5607531
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel filament coating process. Useful filaments include high strength, reinforcing fiber such as fiberglass. By the process, a filament bundle is transversely spread and individual filaments are coated. In a particular application, pultruded rod may be advantageously made from the coated filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Polyplus, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Needham, William Kinzie, James H. Harris
  • Patent number: 5597431
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for manufacturing parts made from resin and reinforcing fibers by winding. Molding means including a plurality of female forms corresponding each to a print of the part to be manufactured are produced. The forms are arranged one after the other, substantially helically, so as to make a continuous groove, then said groove is filled by winding with fibers coated with a polymerizable resin by rotating the prints round the axis of the helix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Grosjean, Michel Huvey, Bernard Dewimille
  • Patent number: 5593536
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming reinforcing structural rebar comprising a core of a thermosetting resin containing reinforcing material and an outer of sheet molding compound is provided. The apparatus comprises layer reinforcing material supply, a thermosetting resin supply means, a shaping die, means for impregnating the reinforcing material the reinforcing material with resin, means for pulling the reinforcing material through the shaping die to form the core of the thermosetting resin containing reinforcing material, sheet molding compound supply, guide means for guiding the sheet molding compound onto the core, and mold means for molding the outer layer of sheet molding compound onto the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Marshall Industries Composites
    Inventor: Mark A. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 5591292
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a welding method in the manufacture of a spirally wound tube having a thermoplastic profile (1) of a mainly rectangular cross-section. A hole profile (1) is wound in a screw line form manner on a welding drum (2) simultaneously as profile surfaces (1a, 1b), which are to be welded together are heated with hot air to a desired temperature, whereafter a welding mass (S) is extruded onto the heated profile surfaces (1a, 1b) in two streams along each edge of the profile surface (1a, 1b) and the welding mass coated hole profile portions are pressed together by means of a press roller (10). The invention is characterized in that the welding is performed with a welding head (3) coupled to an extruder and provided with a welding keel (4), which from the outside is inserted between two profile surfaces (1a, 1b) to be welded together. Hot air (L.sub.1, L.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: OY KWH Pipe AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Blomqvist
  • Patent number: 5587041
    Abstract: A heated shoe and cooled pressure roller assembly for composite prepreg application is provided. The shoe assembly includes a heated forward contact surface having a curved pressure surface. The following cooled roller provides a continuous pressure to the thermoplastic while reducing the temperature to approximately 5.degree. C. below glass transition temperature. Electric heating coils inside the forward portion of the shoe heat a thermoplastic workpiece to approximately 100.degree. C. above the glass transition. Immediately following the heated contact surface, a cooled roller cools the work. The end sharpened shape of the heated shoe trailing edge tends to prevent slag buildup and maintain a uniform, relaxed stress fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Donald A. Sandusky, Joseph M. Marchello
  • Patent number: 5582668
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for mounting elastic elements (T) on an elongated, moving material web (M), in which an elastic element extends between two holder elements (H) which are moved in a given direction and which elastic element extends essentially at right angles to the movement direction of the holder elements. According to the invention, different points on an elastic element which are mutually displaced transversely in relation to the movement direction are moved at mutually different speeds in relation to one another, and the elastic element is fastened to the material web subsequent to having achieved given distances in the movement direction between the different points on the elastic element, as a result of the different movement speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Molnlycke AB
    Inventor: Robert Kling
  • Patent number: 5543005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a reinforcement for a composite component, said reinforcement including superposed plies of thread, according to which method:straight portions of thread are laid down on a support; andall the superposed plies are consolidated by stitching, without knotting, a continuous thread.According to the invention:said straight portions of thread (4, 5) are laid down by means of a needle, with respect to which the continuous thread (F), of which each of said portions forms part, can slide, said needle being capable of moving relative to said support (6), pulling tight the straight portion of thread (4, 5) above the latter, over an extent equal to the length of said straight portion of thread; andsaid straight portions of thread (4, 5) are fixed by stitching, without knotting, at least one of the ends (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b) of each of said portions of thread into said support (6) using said needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Francois Monget, Georges Cahuzac
  • Patent number: 5531851
    Abstract: A process for making metallized plastic molding pellets comprising: first metallizing a laminated plastic sheet by sandwiching an electrically conductive metal foil in between two plastic films; secondly slicing the metallized laminated plastic sheet into a plurality of metallized plastic strips; thirdly wetting and binding the metallized plastic strips, which are radially arranged, with a thermoplastic resin matrix to form a metallized plastic bar by pultrusion processing; and finally cutting the pultruded metallized bar to obtain homogeneously metallized plastic pellets for making effective EMI shields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventors: Ching-Bin Lin, Tung-Han Chuang
  • Patent number: 5529652
    Abstract: A continuous FRTP prepreg manufacturing apparatus comprises an extruder, a crosshead having a main body internally provided with a resin chamber for containing a molten thermoplastic resin extruded therein by the extruder and joined to the discharge end of the extruder, a cooling unit disposed outside and near the exit of the main body of the crosshead, and a winding unit for taking up a prepreg. A fiber bundle inlet unit and a fiber bundle outlet nozzle unit are provided respectively at one end and at the other end of the main body of the crosshead. Guide rollers and impregnating rollers are arranged within the main body of the crosshead so that a tension is applied to the fiber bundle during impregnation or so that the fiber bundle is expanded during impregnation and is condensed after impregnation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Toshihiro Asai, Toshio Ohara, Tatuya Tanaka, Shinji Hashizume
  • Patent number: 5518564
    Abstract: The device consists of a placing head whose wire drive roller and placing wheel are interconnected by an intermediate gear which may be retracted so as to disconnect them, said placing head being translation-mobile with respect to the distributing machine/head interface, complementary means providing a variable pressure of the placing head on the shape. Application for wire placing so as to form a complex structural piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Darrieux
  • Patent number: 5518570
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for bonding a sheet material to an elongated base material, in which the sheet material is transferred by a transferring device towards the base material, and the sheet material is bonded by a bonding device to the base material. A static electricity generating device is attached to the bonding device for generating static electricity on the sheet material to cause the sheet material to adhere to the bonding device, so that the sheet material is prevented from falling from the bonding device prior to the bonding step. Furthermore, an apparatus and method for manufacturing a flexible flat cable, applying the above bonding apparatus and method is also disclosed. In this apparatus and method, a pair of insulating tape sheets are transferred towards electric conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Masazumi Takagi, Toshio Onuma, Tatsuya Watanabe, Toshiaki Enami, Kazuo Tanihira, Hirotaka Sawada, Kuni Yoshinuma, Hiroaki Komatsuda
  • Patent number: 5492583
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a low-cost, single-step method of in-line coating of pultrusion profiles to eliminate surface degradation of pultruded profiles due to outdoor exposure or corrosive attack. The method comprises pulling a combination of reinforcing fibers and resin through a pultrusion die to form a pultruded part, applying a coating to the pultruded part after it exits the pultrusion die and curing the coating on the coated pultruded part. The apparatus contains a pultrusion die for forming a pultruded part of a predetermined shape, a coating die with an exit area generally greater than the inlet area, a coating chamber located between the entrance and exit area of the coating die for applying a coating to the pultruded part, and a curing element for curing the coating on the pultruded part after it exits the coating die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Geotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Conrad F. Fingerson, John C. Fingerson
  • Patent number: 5484504
    Abstract: Devices for loading beneficial insect eggs are disclosed which have a string supply, an egg receptacle, and a provision for applying glue. The devices provide an economical and alternative strategy for the delivery of beneficial insect eggs to agricultural commodities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Walker L. Tedders, Jr., John L. Blythe
  • Patent number: 5480508
    Abstract: A prepreg tape is firstly prepared by bonding prepreg layer to a backing paper and then the prepreg tape is cut to a depth enough to cut the prepreg tape but not the backing paper. A unnecessary portion of the prepreg tape is removed from the backing paper to obtain a cut prepreg tape. A laminating attachment is moved in a predetermined direction while urging the prepreg tape against the surface of an operating table. The cut prepreg tape is peeled off from the backing paper and the peeled off prepreg tape is bonded to the operating table. The cut prepreg tapes are successively oriented in a predetermined direction and juxtaposed to form a laminated sheet. When the sheet is mounted on a mold of a predetermined shape. When the impregnated thermosetting resin is perfectly cured under heat and pressure a product useful for assembling various vehicles can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignees: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha, Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Manabe, Yuhei Yamakawa, Shoichi Shin, Hideyuki Yamada, Mitsuo Nagashima, Mitsunori Kokubo, Masafumi Tsunada, Yasuhiko Nagakura, Yukio Nakajima, Tomohiro Inoue, Kiyoshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 5470423
    Abstract: A microwave pultrusion apparatus (10) with a frame (103, 104) with fingers (109, 110) contacting the material (200) to be processed. The frame and fingers prevent leakage of the microwaves from the cavity (12) and can be replaced or modified for various material 200 and die cross-sections. The apparatus is particularly useful for curing resin impregnated fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Martin C. Hawley, Jianghua Wei, Valerie Adegbite, Min Lin
  • Patent number: 5447586
    Abstract: A control architecture involves two control loops, one for controlling heat input to a moving composite structure and the other controlling the speed of the structure to control quality of the product being formed. Since velocity and heat input affect the temperature of the composite there is cross coupling between the control loops so that either or both can be used to control the temperature. Preferably the invention uses the velocity or speed of the composite as the primary control, i.e., the controller automatically seeks the proper laydown velocity for the current heat input. If the energy source is not providing sufficient heat, the process slows down until the proper temperature is reached. This ensures that the composite material passing through the process is always at the proper temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Albert S. Tam
  • Patent number: 5445701
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a sheet-prepreg reinforced with fibers wherein a sheet of fibers such as warp or woven fibers such as fabrics is conveyed between a pair of band belts one of which is coated with a film of thermoplastic resin which has been heated higher than its softening point to enhance resin-impregnating efficiency and prevent the impregnated resin from contacting air. Further, when the sheet of fibers or woven fibers is conveyed in this manner, the molten resin is not maintained on the manufacturing line, thereby preventing it from being deteriorated by heat. The apparatus can be thus kept under operation for a long time and the sheet-prepreg reinforced with the fibers can be made much higher in quality and the deterioration of the impregnated resin can be further delayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Research Association for New Technology Development of High Performance Polymer
    Inventors: Tomohito Koba, Toshiyuki Nakakura, Hideo Sakai, Satoru Kishi, Chiaki Maruko