Adjustable, Forming Different Size Or Shaped Product Patents (Class 249/155)
  • Patent number: 6375890
    Abstract: In an injection blow-molding process the preform is purposely formed as a smooth walled tube closed at one end and without any thread or other cap attachment configuration about the mouth of the preform. The preform is moved to the bottle mold which completely forms the cap attachment configuration with the bottle in the blow-molding step. A processing dome is also formed from the preform in the blow-molding step to provide means to transfer the bottle to the trimmer which removes the dome. By using the smooth walled preform (without threads or any other cap fastening features), the bottle mold may utilize only a portion of the vertical height of the preform for the bottle. Bottle molds for a variety of bottle volumes and heights may employ the same preform and preform injection mold. The smooth walled preform also permits bottle molds with a variety of mouth diameters to be employed with the same preform injection mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Brit Corporation
    Inventor: Tony Salemi
  • Patent number: 6354561
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable casting mold with a plurality of axially displaceable molding pins. Each molding pin has a self-locking threaded mechanism by way of which the molding pin is supported on a carrier plate. The carrier plates on which in each case a plurality of adjustable molding pins are mounted are, in turn, connected to a molding-box housing member to be adjustable in a different manner perpendicular to the mold parting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Otmar Fahrion
  • Publication number: 20020023998
    Abstract: The invention discloses a marking device comprising: a head (8) to flush with the internal surface of a mold (6), the side (14) of the head facing inside the mold having a mark and means (16) for driving the head in rotation; a threaded cylindrical body (10) forming a single piece with the head (8) of the device; optionally a threaded socket (2) with an external diameter corresponding to the external diameter of the head (8) of the device and its internal screw thread corresponding to the threading of its body, such that when the body is screwed in the socket, the resulting assembly has a cylindrical circular shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: BERNARD PICCO, PATRICK PICCO
  • Patent number: 6332769
    Abstract: An adjustable mold is provided for vacuum assisted drawing of a thermoplastic material into the mold to form a dunnage tray, the mold being water cooled and allowing adjustment of the mold sides and surface topography to allow rapid and inexpensive user adjustment of the mold to from a variety of dunnage tray sizes and shapes as selected by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventors: Alan Bashor, Craig Valentine
  • Patent number: 6299964
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a composite forming/curing fixture for fabricating beam members which have a web, at least one outer flange extending from the web and a first web inner radius formed between the web and the outer flange. The fixture is used for forming and curing beam members having a variety of cross-sectional configurations with variable web sizes, flange sizes and first web inner radii. The fixture is provided with a mandrel having opposing first and second mandrel surfaces. The mandrel has first and second positions which facilitate the formation of the various beam sizing and configurations. The fixture is further provided with a web forming space which is adjacent the mandrel for forming the web of the beam member therein. The fixture is further provided with a first and second outer flange forming spaces adjacent the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis C. Riddle
  • Patent number: 6298896
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for constructing a composite structure (112) is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a flexible layer (104), which has a working surface (106) and an underside surface (108), coupled to a base (102). At least one support element (302) is coupled to the underside surface (108) of the flexible layer (104), and at least one adjustable element (304) is coupled to the support element (302) for adjusting the position of the flexible layer (104). More specifically, the flexible layer (104) may have internal reinforcing elements (300) for added strength and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Sherrill, Kendall G. Young
  • Patent number: 6284168
    Abstract: A method of making a mold includes the steps of determining the contours of the part to be produced, forming pattern stations having a surface conforming to a contour of the part at a given location, placing the stations in spaced apart relationship, filling the spaces, vacuum forming a plastic material to a portion and applying a mold making material. An alternative method includes the steps of determining the contours of the part to be produced, forming pattern stations each having a surface conforming to a contour of the part at a given location, joining the stations together such that their surfaces form substantially the complete contour of the part and covering a portion of the pattern with a plastic material. The stations may be releasably joined together such that one or more may be removed and substituted with one or more different stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Gary Robinson
  • Patent number: 6213003
    Abstract: The invention concerns a bakery pan including a base plate (17) provided with a plurality of slots associated with a plurality of peripheral walls (1-9) defining cells each closed by a base and open along a through aperture (10) corresponding to one slot. In each cell, an intermediate mobile wall (12) moves along the cell median axis (I-I), and is integral with an adjusting rod (13) sliding in a guiding passage. A removable support plate (19) is associated with the base plate (17) from which it is spaced by an interchangeable spacer (20). A closure plate can cover the base plate (17) for closing the through apertures (10). This bakery pan structure greatly facilitates garnishing, and makes it possible to mould a food product such as pastry to give it a shape defined by the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Marc Dufournet
  • Patent number: 6176465
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for baking letters of the alphabet and/or numerals. The apparatus includes a cake pan blank foldable into a cake pan, a grid insert template and one or more space-occupying insert blanks foldable into space-occupying inserts. The grid template insert contains removable grid-defined sections which sections are selectively removable so as to leave openings in the grid template insert. The space-occupying inserts are interfitted with the openings and the grid template insert and space-occupying inserts are then placed into the cake pan so that the volume of the cake pan not occupied by the space-occupying inserts takes the shape of a letter or numeral for receiving batter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: C. M. Products
    Inventors: John F. Cooper, Claude Cummings
  • Patent number: 6171095
    Abstract: A multiple axes electroform is created by first locating a plurality of reflex or optical pins and a mold matrix that extends generally parallel to a first axis. A second mold matrix is created by loading into a fixture yet another set of pins that are generally parallel to a second axis. Electroforms are then made from each mold matrix. The resulting electroforms are then placed into yet another fixture whereby a third electroform is made. The third electroform is then placed into a final fixture where a master electroform is made which will be used in the tooling that is used to injection mold the final automotive lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hallmark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Balint, Michael Cassidy
  • Patent number: 6168734
    Abstract: A method for dynamically balancing a centrifugal blower fan wheel is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining an amount and location of change in the fan inlet ring of the blower wheel which is required to balance the blower wheel. Once this determination is made, the radial thickness of the inlet ring is increased at a predetermined location to provide the proper amount of balance to the blower wheel. A mold is described for accomplishing this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Monier Bibawy Botros
  • Patent number: 6120280
    Abstract: A microprism master mold is formed from a plurality of flat sheets having two mutually parallel major surfaces. On one edge thereof, there is provided a series of V-shaped grooves having a bottom angle of about 90.degree. and roof-shaped projections having a vertical angle of about 90.degree., successively formed at a fixed repeating pitch and in a direction perpendicular to the major surfaces. The flat sheets are stacked so that the vertices of the roof-shaped projections formed on each flat sheet meet the bottoms of the V-shaped grooves formed on an adjacent flat sheet. The microprism master mold includes two or more different types of roof-shaped projections and the thickness of each flat sheet is equal to 0.6-2.0 times the length of the shorter oblique sides of the roof-shaped projections. The master mold is useful for production of cube-corner type retroreflectors characterized by microprism having high brightness and excellent wide-angle properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ikuo Mimura, Keiji Adachi
  • Patent number: 6082701
    Abstract: A formwork system for prefabricated concrete parts has a baseplate (1) on which is mounted a magnet element (2A) which holds formwork or attachment elements in their positions. In order to enable such formwork or attachment elements to be handled more easily, they are equipped with a lifting frame (14) which overlies the magnet element (2A) and, on the side of the magnet element (2A) facing away from the baseplate (1), there is a gap (19) between the magnet element (2A) and the lifting frame (14). A suitably designed spring device (25) in the lifting mechanism can be used, after zeroing, to enable lifting to be carried out automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Reymann Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Reymann
  • Patent number: 6021995
    Abstract: A food product mold includes a movable wall within the cavity of the mold for altering the shape or volume of the cavity. An operating mechanism interconnected with the movable wall moves the wall to various positions within the cavity. The operating mechanism includes at least one shaft rotatably mounted to and extending through the mold, a cam member mounted to the shaft and engageable with the wall, and a shaft rotating mechanism for selectively imparting rotation to the shaft to selectively engage the cam member with the wall for moving the wall within the cavity to vary the volume of the cavity. Various mold inserts may also be added to the mold cavity for varying the size and shape of the processed food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: DEC International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Cody
  • Patent number: 5997302
    Abstract: A method and kit is presented, wherein a prepared tooth cavity is etched; treated with a primer/adhesive which is cured; treated with a flowable composite and cured; and then filled with a condensable composite, using techniques and instruments developed for use with amalgams. Such techniques include transferring the composite with an amalgam carrier, and shaping and packing the composite with an amalgam plugger. The dental restoration may optionally be further etched and sealed. The kit comprises at least a condensable composite and an amalgam carrier. The condensable composite is further provided in premeasured amounts, that is, in amounts of one spill, two spills, or three spills. In another embodiment, the kit further comprises a flowable composite material, and in still another embodiment, the kit further comprises a flowable composite material and dispenser, an etchant, a primer/adhesive, a plugger, and brush tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Jeneric Pentron Incorporated
    Inventor: Bruce Alpert
  • Patent number: 5975869
    Abstract: A golf ball mold includes a pair of split mold sections which are removably mated to define a spherical cavity. The cavity surfaces are provided with a plurality of dimple-forming protrusions. Some of the dimple-forming protrusions are constructed by dimple-forming pins whose inner end has substantially the same shape as the protrusions. The dimple-forming pins are axially or radially movable so that the projection distance of the pins into the cavity is adjustable. With a single mold, golf balls having dimples of different shapes can be produced. Golf balls of quality including symmetry and flight performance can be manufactured at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Shimosaka, Keisuke Ihara, Yutaka Masutani, Michio Inoue, Atuki Kasasima
  • Patent number: 5976442
    Abstract: A method and assembly (20) to form a cast concrete panel (21). The assembly (20) has end beams between which tendons (23) can pass. The beams need to be able to support tensioning of the tendons. Transversely extending form members (25) cooperate with form members (27) to enclose a space to receive concrete to form the panel (21). The tendons (23) pass through the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Manning
  • Patent number: 5914081
    Abstract: A method of making a mold for a given object includes forming a wire stack of elongated wire elements and aligning first ends of the wire elements to define a first end surface of the stack, displacing selected wire elements with respect to the first end surface of the stack by determined amounts in the longitudinal direction of the elements according to a shape of the object to be molded, and then fixing the wire elements of the stack from movement relative to one another after the wire element displacing step. A mold surface for the given object is thus defined according to the first end surface of the wire stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Shevchuk
  • Patent number: 5902512
    Abstract: A mold insert for transferring selectable reference indicia to a molded part is used for tracking various production parameters for a manufactured component. The mold insert contains a plurality of tapered concentric rings, each tapered concentric rings having a face surface containing various transferable reference indicia. A housing having a bore accommodates the plurality of tapered concentric rings and permits rotatable adjustment of the tapered concentric rings relative to a reference indicator. A releasable fastener connected with respect to a tapered core within the tapered concentric rings is used for adjusting and fixing a position of each one of the plurality of tapered concentric rings with respect to one another and the reference indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Streit
  • Patent number: 5895619
    Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth both a method and apparatus for molding a unitary pig formed of two types of material, one being a light weight foam, and the other being a harder polymeric material thereby yielding a unitary harder material in the cast pig. The finished product involves N discs having parallel end faces and a central drilled core; the unitary cast harder material defines end located discs located adjacent to said foam core and a central core therein so that the end located discs adjacent to the foam donut are unitary with the core and bonded thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Knapp
  • Patent number: 5868957
    Abstract: A mold assembly for creating a resin casted countertop exhibiting a built-up edge having a non-constant radius. The mold assembly includes a substantially horizontally planar and upwardly facing mold surface and a plurality of elongated member which are releasably securable upon the planar mold surface to create an outline of a countertop product to be produced. Each of the elongated members include a planar edged top, a likewise planar edged bottom, a rear face and an inwardly contoured front face. The inwardly contoured front face includes a first constant center radius throughout a first degree of angular rotation and at least one additional upper and/or lower constant center radii throughout additional degrees of angular rotation proximate the top and bottom locations of the inwardly contoured front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Talon Surfaces, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Bordener
  • Patent number: 5853606
    Abstract: An identification device for a mold for impressing identifying indicia on each product molded in the mold. A plug retaining insert includes at least one bore through a working face of the insert. A plug member is located in each bore, with the plug member comprising a plug substantially filling the bore proximate the face of the insert, and a shank extending axially into the bore from the plug. A retainer is threaded on the shank, and a spring, bearing against the retainer, seats the plug member in the bore. Indicia of various kinds are located on both the surface of the plug and the face of the insert, with the plug being rotatable to identify a selected portion of the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Borislav Boskovic
  • Patent number: 5851563
    Abstract: A reconfigurable modular tooling system is provided that approximates the contour of a workpiece to be formed by adjusting the height of an array of pins, each of which represents the contour of the workpiece at that point. A flexible sheet is supported by the pins such that movement of the pins into their contoured position adjusts the flexible sheet forming a mold for a composite part to be manufactured. The modular tooling unit is comprised of a hard rubber which functions to lock the array of pins in position. The locking function of the pins is obtained when the pins are rotated in apertures that match the shape of the pins within the hard rubber tooling unit which distorts the shape of the apertures and locks the pin in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Peter L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5846464
    Abstract: A method of forming composite parts that consist of the steps of generating a part design in a computer graphics system, positioning an array of rubber blocks having an array of apertures with slidable pins therein and locking the rubber blocks together on a servo drive mechanism forming a tooling fixture. The array of pins has a flexible face sheet connected to them such that the array of pins is adjusted to form the face sheet to approximate the contour of the composited part to be manufactured. The tooling module is then removed from the base servo drive mechanism and used as a mold in an autoclave for cutting composite materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Peter L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5806266
    Abstract: A beam member for use in construction, particularly as a waler in concrete form assemblies, and a method of producing the same. The beam member is flexible to a preselected curvilinear shape and adapted to be held in said preselected curvilinear shape, and includes a flexible face and a plurality of flange members secured to and upstanding from the flexible face, the flange members being arranged side-to-side in two rows, one each of which rows is adjacent a corresponding one of opposing sides of the flexible face. Each of the flanges has a terminal end section extended parallel to the flexible face and is separated from an adjacent flange by a distance which increases from the attachment of the flange at the flexible face to said terminal end section whereby the beam member is laterally flexibly movable to conform to a preselected curvilinear shape. A strap is secured to the terminal end section of the flanges to maintain the preselected curvilinear shape of the beam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Wilian Holding Company
    Inventors: Bob L. Jennings, Eugene C. Postma
  • Patent number: 5800727
    Abstract: A mold for forming a base for a concrete post, the mold having a side wall and a top wall characterized in that the top wall has a plurality of radially extending main slits extending from a central point to thereby form a plurality of flaps, the top portion being formed of a flexible material such that a tube may be inserted therethrough and retained in position by the flaps to permit casting a one piece post and base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Morris T. Croghan
  • Patent number: 5773040
    Abstract: In a disc molding die, a stationary base plate is attached to a stationary platen, and a stationary mirror-surface plate is attached to the stationary base plate. Further, a movable base plate is attached to a movable platen, and a movable mirror-surface plate is attached to the movable base plate. A stationary guide ring is attached to the stationary base plate so as to surround the stationary mirror-surface plate, while a movable guide ring is attached to the movable base plate so as to surround the movable mirror-surface plate. When the die is clamped, the movable guide ring is brought into contact with the stationary guide ring. A cavity ring is detachably attached to one of the stationary and movable mirror-surface plates such that the cavity ring projects toward the other of the stationary and movable mirror-surface plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignees: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyoshi Sakamoto, Akira Hatano
  • Patent number: 5766500
    Abstract: An adjustable divider assembly for use with an open-top mold for creating a countertop with a built-up edge, the mold being rectangular in shape with a flat planar surface, first, second and third built-up and inwardly contoured edges and a fourth open edge. A U-shaped divider bar includes a central elongated member and first and second side elongated members which is pivotally attached along the four open edge of the mold using a pin and slot type arrangement and is rotated into the mold so that the elongated members of the divider bar are arranged in a desired spaced apart fashion relative to the opposing contoured mold surfaces. Suspending members extend forwardly from the central elongated member and position the bar at an elevated position above the planar mold surface. A first pour of plasticized resinous material is applied over the planar mold surface according to a predetermined depth, following which the divider bar is attached and rotated into an installed position within the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Talon Surfaces, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Bordener
  • Patent number: 5766645
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a concrete forming system and method permitting a series of stacked concrete slabs to be formed at a work site. The system includes a vertical support member configured to the work surface, concrete form members for defining a desired shape for a concrete slab and horizontal adjustment members for attachment of the form members to the vertical support member. Through use of the system, a series of stacked concrete slabs can be successively poured one on top of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Sci Sitecast International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Kaminski
  • Patent number: 5762815
    Abstract: An apparatus is used for adjusting the distance between two opposed form panels and includes a tie rod, first and second nut members, a seat member, a C-shaped clamp member and a bolt member. The tie rod passes through the first and second form panels, and has first and second threaded end portions which engage respectively the first and second nut members. The seat member has opposed first and second sides, and a through hole extending from the first side to the second side. The second nut member has opposite first and second ends. The second threaded end portion of the tie rod is positioned relative to the seat member when the second end of the second nut member abuts against the second side of the seat member. The C-shaped clamp member has two arm portions which engage the retaining cavities of the seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Kou-An Lee
  • Patent number: 5755981
    Abstract: A bridge overhang system which enables forms to be secured to a bridge girder member without the necessity of a construction worker standing under the girder to secure the form to the girder. More particularly described, a funnel bracket unit connected to the form has guide surface which enables a hanger rod to be guided to a securing member of the overhang bracket unit from above the girder member. The system of the present invention has a support beam with an opening defined therein, a retainer positioned along a surface of the support beam at the opening; and a support rod extending through the support beam to the retainer. The support rod connectably engages the retainer upon insertion of the support rod to the retainer. Additionally, the retainer may include a bracket having a plurality of sides with at least one of the sides being operable for connection to the form to provide support for the form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Jim H. Payne
  • Patent number: 5755983
    Abstract: A mold and divider assembly for creating a solid surface countertop having an exterior edge according to different shapes and sizes. The mold includes a planar shaped surface which is bounded by a polygonal shaped body, at least one side of which has a raised and inwardly contoured mold defining edge. A first elongated dividing member equals a length of a first selected side of the mold and is placeable upon the planar surface so as to be movable in directions towards and away from the first selected side. A second elongated dividing member extends between the first dividing member and a second selected side of the mold so that the dividing members define in combination a subset area of the mold for receiving a resinous material pour. The second dividing member may be providing in differing lengths as a kit for producing an assortment of countertops according to differing dimensions. The mold may further be provided in a generally L-shape or rectangular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Talon Surfaces, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Bordener
  • Patent number: 5743510
    Abstract: A mold box for molding concrete products includes a pair of opposed substantially parallel end plates. A pair of opposed substantially parallel mounting brackets are positioned at opposite ends of the end plates and together with the end plates form a substantially rectangular mold box. A corner portion is defined adjacent the juncture of each mounting bracket with each end plate. At least one partition plate extends from one end plate to the other between the mounting brackets. An alignment pin is formed on the mounting bracket at each corner portion and an alignment bore coaxial with the pin is formed on the end plate. The bores are sized and positioned so that when each bore has its associated alignment pin therein the mold box assembly is sufficiently aligned to form molded products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Columbia Machine
    Inventor: Llewellyn L. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5720467
    Abstract: A multi-section form for casting sewer inlet ports to manhole standpipes with right, left or bi-winged curb sections. The form includes multiple sections which can be arranged to segregate the form interior to cast inlets with a preferred arrangement of one or more curb extension wings. Pre-assembled rebar and manhole port assemblies mount within the arranged form sections, along with a multi-section form which defines a top cover and inlets to a center manhole port. An extension form wall at the manhole port assembly defines an overflow conduit. The casting form is supported to a low profile casting table which defines a bottom form wall and includes a hydraulic lift for tilting the table top to eject a cast part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: William M. Del Zotto
  • Patent number: 5709808
    Abstract: A formwork is to be used with a wall form assembly for forming a door opening in a concrete wall. The formwork mainly includes a parallel pair of mold frame members that are to be disposed between a parallel pair of wall form plates which confine a concrete pouring space for forming a concrete wall, and that are adapted to be mounted to the wall form plates. The mold frame members have partition plates that extend toward and that overlap one another. The partition plates are movable with the mold frame members towards and away from each other and confine a door opening that is isolated from the concrete pouring space. The formwork is easy to assemble and disassemble, is suitable for large-scale construction, and is adjustable to fit the size of the door frame that is to be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Kuo-An Lee
  • Patent number: 5690490
    Abstract: A method for fabrication of a restoration for a patient's dentition by pinhead molding comprising the steps of examining the patient's dentition, restoring gross areas of tooth loss, and restoring proper anatomy and contour of the dentition, forming a first optically correct impression of the dentition and scanning the first impression to provide a first data set, appropriately isolating and preparing the patient's dentition for the dental restoration, forming a second optically correct impression of the dentition and scanning the second impression to form a second data set, comparing the first and second data sets and deriving a third data set based upon the comparison, the third data set being descriptive of a restoration to be prepared, and forming the restoration by pinhead molding of a flowable composite material in accordance with the third data set. An apparatus is also described for fabrication of a restoration for a patient's dentition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventors: Mark L. Cannon, George H. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5667192
    Abstract: A mold especially adapted for forming precast, waffle-shaped concrete panels employs a one-piece mold body of flexible plastic sheet material to which rigid side rails are secured by tongue and groove longitudinal joints. The mold may be rapidly stripped and reset due to a hinge action provided by partial sides of the flexible body to which the rigid side rails are joined. The side rails and other structural features provide a simple mold structure that may be readily and efficiently employed for on-site production of panels. The configuration of the side rails and associated joints facilitates the replacement of a wornout mold body. A cover may be placed over the mold body while the concrete cures and automatically lifted therefrom after a predetermined time to allow the concrete to cool. Recess formers and connector covers for the panels are provided for appearance and security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Waffle-Crete International, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Van Doren
  • Patent number: 5662948
    Abstract: A molding tool is provided that has a cavity half and a core half for molding a workpiece. The molding tool has a male trimpiece that is attached to the cavity half of the molding tool via a plurality of securing devices for removal of the male trimpiece when worn. A female trimpiece is attached to the core half of the molding tool via a plurality of securing devices for removal of the female trimpiece when worn. An adjustable stop plate is also provided that is attached to the core half of the molding tool via a plurality of securing devices. The stop plate is disposed around, and is adjacent to, the female trimpiece. The stop plate is vertically adjustable to provide for varying thickness of the workpiece. A trimline retention reservoir is also disposed in the core half of the molding tool between the female trimpiece and the stop plate for receiving the male trimpiece when the molding tool is in the closed position. The thicknesses of each trimpiece can be varied so as to change the size of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Roy H. Sjoberg
  • Patent number: 5658597
    Abstract: A kit and a method for using the kit to form a positive impression of an animal track and the like. The kit is lightweight, preferably weighing less than two pounds, is compact and easily transported by a hiker. The kit includes a supply of impression material and an adjustable strip which is used to form a circular frame or margin around the track to contain the impression material. The kit also includes a container which may be of a cardboard type of material and a flexible, waterproof bag to contain the impression material. The bag, which contains between a half a pound and one and a half pounds of impression material, may be used to mix the impression material with water being added. Once a track is found, the adjustable strip including a band of biodegradable material with an impression material-releasing surface is placed around the track to contain the impression material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventors: Timothy J. Breidenstein, Jack Breidenstein
  • Patent number: 5648009
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a mold box on a machine for forming molded concrete products includes a mold defining a cavity for receiving cement having a pair of opposed side plates and a pair of opposed mounting brackets. A mold support frame is further included having a pair of opposed side beams and a pair of opposed end brackets, with a connecting device for mounting the support frame on the machine. A pair of opposed substantially parallel slots is formed on the support frame side beams and a sliding plate is receivable in the slots and slidable therealong. A slot is also formed on one of the mold mounting brackets, such that the sliding plate is receivable in the slot formed on the mold mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Columbia Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: Llewellyn L. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5645372
    Abstract: A form for construction of a catch basin including a water insert form that has a front insert wall, a rear insert wall, a pair of side insert walls and a concave bottom edge. The front insert wall and the rear insert wall each have knockouts along the bottom. The mortar insert form is positioned over an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe of a catch basin for bridges. Also, included are a pair of thumb screws that are capable of being positioned through one of the side walls of the mortar insert form. Included is a height mortar bridge form that has a front bridge wall, a rear bridge wall, and a pair of side bridge walls. The front bridge wall and the rear bridge wall each have a concave bottom. The front bridge wall and the rear bridge wall each have an inner wall that sloops downwardly from a top edge to form a cross rib. Lastly, the height mortar bridge form is locked within the mortar insert form a pair of thumb screws. This provides a form for mortar to be poured into.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Raymond F. Hahn
  • Patent number: 5620716
    Abstract: Time stamp for insertion into a mould for metal or plastics processing, with a basic body which can be inserted into the mould and in which an insert designed as a screw is arranged rotatably. The insert, in order to maintain its rotary position relative to the basic body, is retained in the basic body in that its shank end is in threaded engagement with a spring-pretensioned holding part arranged in the inner region of the basic body, so that the shoulder of the head portion of the insert can be pressed constantly against an annular radial step formed on the basic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Opitz GmbH
    Inventor: Heiko Opitz
  • Patent number: 5611969
    Abstract: In this method of making a mold for molding an optical lens an annular closure sleeve is fitted around two molding shells and cooperates with them to define the required molding cavity. The closure sleeve is made from a heat shrinkable synthetic material and is heated to shrink it onto the molding shells. Applications of the method include molds for molding ophthalmic lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Essilor International, Compagnie Generale d'Optique
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Cano, Jean-Fran.cedilla.ois Magne, Georges Wajs
  • Patent number: 5590499
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for manufacturing an angular insulating wall element consisting of an angular rigid foam plate linked to brick fillets. Angular, one-piece fillets are space apart in a lying mold having an essentially V-shaped cross-section and the spacings between the fillets are filled with a mixture of san and isocyanate. Between the backs of the fillets and the sand and isocyanate mixture on the one hand and a countermold on the other hand is introduced a rigid foam layer, whereas part of the rigid foam partially impregnates the sand and isocyanate mixture. The areas of the mixture that are not impregnated with rigid foam are removed after curing the rigid foam layer. A molding box for carrying out this process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Dieter A. Pischel
  • Patent number: 5547365
    Abstract: A fan blade mold is disclosed having a center shaft molding unit and a blade molding unit disposed around the center shaft molding unit and defining with the fan blade mold a plurality of blade molding cavities around the center shaft molding unit for molding the blades of the fan blade, the center shaft molding unit having a longitudinal center cavity for molding the center shaft of the integral fan blade to be molded, a plurality of knock-out pins spaced around the center cavity for knocking out the fan blade and for molding a respective circular dent on a hub of the fan blade, and a reference line raised from the top side and aligned with one lateral side of one blade molding cavity, the knock-out pins being respectively disposed at the radial lines which pass through the point at 1/3 of the radial width of each blade molding cavity measured from the left lateral side of each blade molding cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Wen-Hao Chuang
  • Patent number: 5546313
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing three-dimensional articles from a computer aided design includes one or more mold modules, each containing a pin array containing a plurality of pin elements. The pin elements are moveable in response to a data file containing three-dimensional coordinates of the three-dimensional article to be molded wherein the coordinates have a resolution corresponding to the resolution of the pin elements in the pin array. By moving the pins to the various coordinates of the data set, a mold shape is provided for molding the three-dimensional design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: William E. Masters
  • Patent number: 5535981
    Abstract: A new and improved adjustable casting mold including a mold base having a generally rectangular configuration. Included in the device is a fixed mold form having a generally L-shaped configuration. The fixed mold form is integral with the mold base offset from a center portion thereof. Also included in the device is an adjustable mold form having a generally L-shaped configuration. The adjustable mold form is positionable on the mold base and positioned against the fixed mold form. The adjustable mold form is positioned against the fixed mold form to create a casting area. A clamp assembly is removably positioned against the adjustable mold form and the fixed mold form. The clamp assembly is secured thereto by two washers and two wing nuts. The clamp assembly serves to secure the adjustable mold form to the fixed mold form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Richard L. Goris
  • Patent number: 5531949
    Abstract: A method and mold for making a wheel of a roller skate including a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart generally axially extending curvilinear paths. A speed skater, traveling a predominately circular course with such wheels properly aligned on such skates, is able to use air moving past the skater to increase skating speed. As air enters the curvilinear paths of the wheel the direction of air flow changes. In this manner, momentum is transferred from the moving air to the spinning wheels, thus increasing the number of revolutions of the wheel and the speed of the skater. The mold may be formed of polyurethane and use flexible fingers to form the curvilinear paths of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Creative Urethanes
    Inventor: Richard V. Heitfiled
  • Patent number: 5513972
    Abstract: A device is provided which is capable of generating a surface that at least partially conforms to the contour of an article. The surface is defined by the ends of a number of threaded members which are supported within a suitable support structure. The threaded members are aligned so as to be substantially parallel to and threadably engaged with each other. As a result, rotation of an individual threaded member will cause that threaded member to be longitudinally moved relative to its adjacent threaded members and the support structure, without displacing an adjacent threaded member. The surface can be readily configured manually or automatically to serve as a die or mold cavity when the entire surface has been generated to conform to the entire contour of the article. Alternatively, the surface can be generated so as to provide a suitable fixture surface for supporting and securing a workpiece during a machining or welding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thaddeus Schroeder, Robin Stevenson
  • Patent number: 5511761
    Abstract: A wall forming apparatus for constructing monolithic concrete footings and walls of a building foundation which includes a plurality of relatively light-weight prefabricated wall forming panels connected together and positioned to form a plurality of opposing monolithic footing and wall forming units, each panel having an outer rigid framework from which an adjustable footing form depends, the opposing footing forms of the opposing footing and wall forming units being devoid of any structure extending directly therebetween, and the framework of each panel being constructed of sufficient rigidity and with sufficient cross-sectional dimensions so as to prevent canting and sagging of the footing and wall forming units formed by the panels when interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Allan A. Schultz