Surface Finishing (e.g., Abrading, Grinding, Etc.) Patents (Class 264/162)
  • Patent number: 7320774
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, methods, apparatuses, and products are provided that use an S-shaped die mold and a scoring/knifing process to produce two types of dies (S-shaped tiles and C-shaped tiles) from the S-shaped tile mold. The scoring/knifing process forms one or more channels or other suitable shapes in the S-shaped tile. At least one of the channels creates the appearance that the S-shaped tile comprises two separate and cooperating tile sections, each having a generally C-shaped cross section. In a further embodiment, at least one of the channels may be painted, colored, or otherwise darkened to accent a “shadow” effect, further creating the appearance that the C-shaped portions of the S-shaped tile are separate. In another embodiment, a method is provided that allows the S-shaped tiles to be broken or not broken along one or more of the channels, depending on the installer's preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: MonierLifetile, LLC
    Inventors: Troy Simmons, Bruce E. Lennick
  • Publication number: 20080011488
    Abstract: A process for making packer elements for use in sealing an area between surfaces in a wellbore and packer elements formed from that process. The process includes extruding an elastomeric material to form a tubular structure and machining the outer surface of the tubular structure to provide a desired surface geometry. The tubular structure may be machined to provide a contoured surface geometry. The tubular structure with a contoured surface geometry may be machined to form a plurality of packer elements, which are separated by cutting the tubular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: James R. White, Geoffrey A. Naylor, Michael T. Hooley
  • Patent number: 7294300
    Abstract: A grinding plate for an electric hand grinder has a plate member having an upper plate surface with an upper plate edge, a lower plate surface with a lower plate edge for placement of a grinding means and extending at least partially beyond the upper plate edge, and a side surface extending from the upper plate edge to the lower plate edge, and having a pagoda-shaped contour in a projecting region of the lower plate edge and the grinding plate is produced by a method including punching out the plate body with the upper surface, the lower surface and the side surface from an elastic material in a desired shape; placing a round bar on the upper plate surface along the upper plate edge of the plate body with a parallel distance from it; pressing the round bar into the plate body so that an elastic material of the plate body is squeezed outwardly under the round bar; separating the squeezed out material along an outer edge of the round bar with a separating cut extending perpendicular to the plate surfaces; and r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Wuensch
  • Patent number: 7273574
    Abstract: A golf ball manufacturing method comprises a step of holding a spew (B) of a seam (C) of a golf ball (G) in a predetermined position, a step of deciding whether the position of the seam (C) is normal, and a step of distinguishing the necessity of the processing of the golf ball based on the decision, and furthermore, a step of processing the seam (C) which removes the spew (B) of the seam (C) and smoothens a removing mark, and the step of processing the seam (C) is constituted by a plurality of stages including cutting and grinding. The processing is carried out at an angle obtained by inclining an angle for processing the seam C in the direction of the flow of a polymer in the seam C. According to the golf ball manufacturing method, the appearance of the seam is very smooth and the performance of the ball can be more uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Jun Yamakawa, Yasuhiro Watabe
  • Patent number: 7261609
    Abstract: The spark plug manufacturing apparatus includes a holding plate formed with a plurality of mounting holes penetrating from a front surface to a rear surface thereof for holding therein hollow tubular insulators of spark plugs, each of which is fitted therein with a center electrode and a metal stem provided with a terminal part, and is charged with a powder resistance material between the center electrode and the stem, and an electric furnace for heating the insulators held in the mounting holes of the holding plate. The holding plate is made of a ceramic material containing not less than 50 wt % of silicon nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kouji Hori
  • Patent number: 7201862
    Abstract: A ball body is formed with a mold having upper and lower mold half. Dimples 16 having a shape inverted from the shape of the pimples of the mold are formed on the ball body. The dimples 16 in the vicinity of the equatorial line have a size in the meridional direction D1 being greater than a size in the latitudinal direction D2. The difference between the size in the meridional direction D1 and the size in the latitudinal direction D2 is 0.01 mm or greater and 0.50 mm or less. By grinding the ball body in the vicinity of the equatorial line, a flash generated on the seam resulting form the mold is removed. According to the grinding, the size in the meridional direction of the dimple 16 is reduced, and thus, plane shape of the dimple becomes closer to a perfect circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Seiichiro Endo, Takahiro Sajima
  • Patent number: 7186365
    Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a method and apparatus for forming an imprinting tool are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming an imprinting tool comprises forming a first mold by use of one or more printing processes, forming a second mold from the first mold, and forming an imprinting tool from the second mold, where the imprinting tool is formed at least in part by metalizing at least a portion of the second mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Walk
  • Patent number: 7178235
    Abstract: A method for providing an encapsulated optoelectronic chip is provided. The optoelectronic chip is secured on a substrate. A translucent coating substance is then applied on said optoelectronic chip and the translucent coating substance is then polished away to enable an optical coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Reflex Photonics Inc.
    Inventors: David Robert Cameron Rolston, Tomasz Maj
  • Patent number: 7172718
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a power transmission belt having a body with a length and a cushion rubber layer in which at least one carrying member is embedded so as to extend lengthwise of the body. The method includes the steps of: extrusion molding (a) a first rubber composition including rubber with short fibers therein and (b) a second rubber composition that is different than the first rubber composition to produce a first sheet in which the second rubber composition defines at least a part of the cushion rubber layer; applying the at least one load carrying member to the second rubber composition to produce a preform assembly; and processing the preform assembly to produce a power transmission belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Tagawa, Tomohiro Miwa, Toshihiro Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7160493
    Abstract: The invention provides a unitary retaining ring for use in a CMP apparatus. The retaining ring features a pad engaging surface which is designed to be flat and planar when the retaining ring is mounted to a carrier of the CMP apparatus. The pad engaging surface includes portions which surround the wafer and contact a pad and slurry on the CMP apparatus. A plurality of mounting features are provided along a carrier engaging surface of the ring. The mounting features are installed to cause localized compressive stresses in the material when in a demounted state. Upon mounting to a carrier of the CMP apparatus under specified torque or force conditions, tensile stresses are applied to the material of the ring resulting in a flat and planar mounted front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Semplastics, LLC
    Inventors: George D. Willis, William G. Easter
  • Patent number: 7157033
    Abstract: An apparatus for scarfing a fibrous web includes a rotatable scarfing roll with vacuum ports and an air moving source in fluid communication with the vacuum ports. The rotatable scarfing roll has a core member which includes a plurality of scarfing elements connected thereto and vacuum ports located therein. A method for scarfing a fibrous web includes providing a rotatable scarfing roll with vacuum ports and reducing scarfing wind by applying vacuum to the vacuum ports. A method for producing absorbent articles includes providing a fibrous web, contacting the fibrous web with a rotatable scarfing roll with vacuum ports to remove a portion of the fibrous web, applying vacuum to the vacuum ports to reduce scarfing wind, and producing an absorbent article with the fibrous web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Dixon John Kuchenbecker, Bruce John Benson, Susan Joan Daniels, Michael Barth Venturino, Joseph Michael Kugler
  • Patent number: 7150618
    Abstract: A mold for a golf ball includes an upper portion (1) and a lower portion (3). A large number of projections (7) for dimple formation are provided on a cavity surface (5) of each of the upper portion (1) and the lower portion (3). A parting surface (8) of the upper portion (1) and the lower portion (3) has a concavo-convex shape. The parting surface (8) includes a first horizontal plane (13), a second horizontal plane (15) and an inclined surface (17). Circumferential central angles ? of the first horizontal plane (13) and the second horizontal plane (15) are 55 degrees or less. A total value ?? of the circumferential central angles ? is 30 degrees to 330 degrees. An inclination angle ? of the inclined surface (17) to a horizontal direction is 10 degrees to 60 degrees. A central angle ? between the horizontal planes (13) and (15) and an equator (E) is 1 degree to 8 degrees. A boundary corner portion of the horizontal planes (13) and (15) and the inclined surface (17) is subjected to rounding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Sajima, Seiichiro Endo
  • Patent number: 7128869
    Abstract: A process and a production installation for producing shell-shaped, fiber-reinforced plastic parts are provided. The plastic parts can be produced efficiently, in an automated manner which is flexible with respect to the process and workpiece and is operationally reliable. A blank of the endless fiber mat corresponding to a workpiece is placed in an automated manner by industrial robots onto a clamping frame surrounding the female mold and is taken over by the clamping frame in a clamping manner and in such a way that it can slide after itself against a defined resistance. Wide-ranging accessibility required for this is created by a horizontally movable unit, comprising a female mold and a clamping frame, being temporarily moved completely out from the forming press and moved back again into the forming press after completion of loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Uwe Habisreitinger, Bernhard Nordmann, Michael Ostgathe
  • Patent number: 7090795
    Abstract: A method for making figures/stripes on an article, including steps of: preparing a substrate; wrapping an outer surface of the substrate with a fiberglass fabric drenched with resin; placing at least one thin or slender covering material on an outer face of the fiberglass fabric, the substrate, fiberglass fabric and the covering material together forming a wrapping body; using a binding means to bind the wrapping body to harden and pattern the fiberglass fabric; taking off the binding means after the wrapping body is hardened and patterned, whereby the fiberglass fabric is hardened to form an inner layer, the covering material positioned on the inner layer and forming the figures/strips; painting an outer resin on an outer face of the wrapping body after the outer resin is hardened; and buffing the hardening layer to complete the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Jerry Wu
  • Patent number: 7052637
    Abstract: A method for fabricating components such as rocker arms (4), cam followers (3) or cams for valve mechanisms for combustion engines, in which a billet of an MMC material (Metal Matrix Composite) containing 10–70% ceramic material by volume in the form of particles or fibers is extruded into a bar (1, 2) having the cross-sectional profile of the final component (3, 4), and where separate billets for the respective components (3, 4) are obtained by cross-cutting the bar (1, 2) by means of cutting via high-speed machining, HSM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventors: Kent Strand, Sven-Åke Karlsson, Stefan Ekblad
  • Patent number: 7021919
    Abstract: A mold for forming blocks with at least one textured surface, the mold comprising a structure defining a cavity open at opposite ends thereof for receiving a block forming material at one of the open ends and discharging a block formed from the block forming material at the other of the open ends; and a continuous web surrounding at least a portion of the structure and movable relative to the structure for acting on the block forming material received within the cavity to impart a texture to a surface of the block, the web being mounted to move around the portion of the structure when the block is discharged from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Tom Griffith
  • Patent number: 7022275
    Abstract: Saddle made of composite material, in particular for a bicycle, comprising a support structure provided with a padding having a seating surface. The support structure comprises a plurality of first layers of high-rigidity composite material having an opening formed centrally therein and a second layer of composite material with a rigidity less than that of the first layers, fixed to the latter along a superimposed surface covering the opening so as to form an elastically yielding zone which is preferably located in the prostatic and ischiatic zones of the seat of the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Selle Royal S.P.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Bigolin
  • Patent number: 7011731
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a papermaking belt structure using tapes made of a solid thermoplastic resin surrounding a fibrous matrix. The method calls for applying a layer of CD oriented tapes to a mandrel surface, then applying a layer of MD oriented tapes over the CD layer, applying pressure and heat to the mandrel containing the CD and MD layers so to melt the resin and entirely bond/encapsulate the fibrous matrix. The belt structure thus obtained may thereafter be grooved, drilled or other processed as desired. Additionally, the above method can be reversed as to the MD/CD order of layering. Also, a layer entirely of resin can be applied, preferably prior to, but also after or in between the MD/CD layers. Also, rubber can comprise one or more layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Albany International Corp.
    Inventor: Eric Romanski
  • Patent number: 7008583
    Abstract: A process of inlaying a design in a fiberglass article to provide a decorative article of manufacture. The process comprises applying a first lamina of releasing agent into a mold. Then forming a second lamina of clear gel coat on the first lamina and allowing it to dry. Then forming a third lamina of transparent polyester resin on the second lamina and submerging the design into the third lamina before the third lamina is dry. Then removing air bubbles from the design and the third lamina and allowing the third lamina to dry. Then applying a fourth lamina of curable resin on the third lamina, whereby the fourth lamina is formed substantially from fiberglass of a white pigmentation, and allowing it to dry. Lastly, removing the mold from the first, second, third, and fourth laminas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventors: Moises Edery, Saul Ariel Raschkovan
  • Patent number: 7001551
    Abstract: A method of forming a bone composite, comprising: providing bone tissue; grinding said bone tissue to form ground tissue; molding the ground bone tissue into a bone composite; applying a binder to the bone composite; applying a vacuum to the mold, and optionally milling or refining the bone composite to the desired shape. Additionally, bone tissue composites made therefrom are included. The composites may be, for example, a bone pin, screw, or prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Allograft Research Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Meredith
  • Patent number: 6989118
    Abstract: In a process and apparatus for making a reinforced fibrous absorbent member, fibrous material is collected on a forming surface to at least partially form the absorbent member. Fibrous material is entangled with a reinforcing web which is overlaid on at least a portion of the partially formed absorbent member. Additional fibrous material is collected on the forming surface to further form the absorbent member whereby at least a portion of the fibrous material forming the absorbent member becomes entangled with at least one of the reinforcing web and the fibrous material entangled with the reinforcing web to secure the reinforcing web within the absorbent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Venturino, Susan J. Daniels, David W. Heyn, James M. Kaun, Derek P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6982052
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for air forming an article having a plurality of superimposed fibrous layers. The layers are formed in substantially discrete forming chambers by depositing fibrous material on a forming surface which moves along an arcuate path through the chambers. A first layer is air-formed on the forming surface as the surface moves through the first forming chamber and a second layer is air-formed over the first layer as the surface moves through the second forming chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan J. Daniels, David W. Heyn, Derek Paul Murphy, Michael Barth Venturino
  • Patent number: 6979418
    Abstract: A method to create blocks having a weathered and aged look by modifying the blocks before they are cured. Green blocks exiting a block forming machine are conveyed along a path past brush elements which scrub block mix from the upper longitudinal corners of the formed, uncured blocks. The blocks are also passed longitudinally over tooth elements which irregularly remove block mix from the lower longitudinal corners of the green blocks. The modified green blocks are moved to a kiln for curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: King's Material, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Harrington
  • Patent number: 6958120
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a membrane module, comprising a plurality of bar-shaped ceramic filter elements disposed parallel to each other and stretched on the ends of the bay by covers, which extend perpendicular to said bars. Said modules also comprise sealing elements provided in-between the ends of the bars in addition to holes in the covers. The invention is characterized by the following features: initially, the individual sealing element is partially produced by finishing the inner hole thereof intended for surrounding the end of the bar to its final size while the outer surface of the sealing element remains unprocessed so that a sealing blank is formed; the sealing blank is then inserted into a support having outer dimensions in the insertion area corresponding to the mean outer dimensions of all filter elements or a plurality of filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Membraflow GmbH & Co. KG Filtersysteme
    Inventors: Dieter Bläse, Hans-Peter Feuerpeil
  • Patent number: 6955781
    Abstract: A molded article includes thermoplastic resin, and an organic material different from the thermoplastic resin inside said molded article, the organic material being located on and near a surface of said molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yusa, Teruo Hori
  • Patent number: 6946013
    Abstract: An improved, efficient, and regenerable exhaust emission filter and filter system are provided which incorporate the use of an inorganic, non-woven fiber filter element. The filter is able to capture exhaust pollutants and particulates through the interwoven nature of the filter element and due to area enhancements applied to the filter element including microscopic enhancements. The filter has an improved life and is able to combust a greater percentage of trapped particulates due to the high temperatures the filter element can withstand. The filter element if formed from a non-woven fiber block which is machined or shaped into a filter foundation. The filter element can have a multitude of coatings and catalysts applied and can be wrapped in insulation and a casing. The improved exhaust emission filter is particularly useful for diesel engine exhausts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: GEO2 Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon S. Alward, Robert A. DiChiara, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6942828
    Abstract: The toothed belt is produced in a moulding cavity, which is defined by a rotating moulding wheel and an endless moulding belt, which is also rotating. For this purpose, the moulding wheel has a channel defined by lateral cheeks, in the base of which are provided recesses, which correspond to the teeth of the toothed belt. The moulding belt surrounds the moulding wheel over a proportion of its periphery and engages the lateral cheeks at that point. The polyurethane, of which the toothed belt is to consist, is injected into the inlet of the moulding cavity. Upstream of the inlet, “lost cores” are introduced into some of the recesses in the moulding wheel corresponding to the teeth in such a manner that they are embedded all around in the polyurethane. After finishing the toothed belt the “lost cores” can be removed. Passages remain which can be used, for instance, for mounting fastening elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Breco-Antriebstechnik Breher GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Rudi Kolling
  • Patent number: 6921500
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a functional dental element, such as a crown. According to the invention, use is made of a three-dimensional printing technique. The major advantages of the invention are that no mold is needed anymore, which entails a considerable saving of costs, that a great accuracy is achieved, and that the element can be made of different materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventor: Frits Kornelis Feenstra
  • Patent number: 6916166
    Abstract: A mold for forming blocks with at least one textured surface, the mold comprising a structure defining a cavity open at opposite ends thereof for receiving a block forming material at one of the open ends and discharging a block formed from the block forming material at the other of the open ends; and a continuous web surrounding at least a portion of the structure and movable relative to the structure for acting on the block forming material received within the cavity to impart a texture to a surface of the block, the web being mounted to move around the portion of the structure when the block is discharged from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Tom Griffith
  • Patent number: 6916438
    Abstract: The texturing, patterning and bending of a solid surface material. The end product can be achieved both through casting technologies and heat pressure processes. Controlled surface deformation can be created in a pre-manufactured flat sheet and the sheet can then be heated and bent using conventional thermoforming technology. This contrasts considerably with the conventional norm, whereby an embossed solid surface sheet, when reheated, loses its embossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Allegheny Solid Surface Technologies
    Inventor: Russell E. Berry
  • Patent number: 6913721
    Abstract: Apparatus for charging a substrate, including: an elongated charging member having a crowned surface; an elongated pressure member having the pressure member being supported for pressure engagement with the charging member to form a nip therebetween adapted to receive the substrate. There is also disclosed a method for making the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Zona, John S. Facci, Michael J. Levy, Rachael L. McGrath
  • Patent number: 6881373
    Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent, greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member is in excess of the predetermined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Allen Bryson, Harry Charles Buchanan, Jr., Yaomin Dong, James Preston Penrod
  • Patent number: 6843622
    Abstract: An apparatus for the automated profiling the edge of successive optical disks, and including an optical disk supply assembly for holding a supply of optical disks to be profiled, a turntable for receiving an optical disk to be profiled, and for reciprocating between an optical disk loading position and an optical disk profiling position. A clamping assembly is provided for clamping the optical disk in a stationary condition to the turntable during movement between the loading position and the profiling position. A profiling cutter profiles the edge of the optical disk into a predefined shape when the turntable is in the profiling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Concept Design Electronics and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Eugene DeMint, Richard Lee Clark
  • Patent number: 6843947
    Abstract: A method for roughing surfaces and edges of concrete casted blocks, comprising a block support surface having a plurality of surface sections. A first of the surface sections has a rear end thereof above an adjacent front end of a second of the surface sections to create a ledge for projecting a leading edge portion of concrete blocks conveyed over the first surface section. A first roughing device has a plurality of impacting elements thereon for roughing concrete blocks. The first roughing device is disposed generally above the rear end of the first surface section for abrading a projecting leading edge portion of each concrete block as they are conveyed over the rear end. A conveyor displaces concrete blocks over the first and second surface sections, the blocks being tilted when reaching a predetermined position over the ledge to avoid being abraded by the roughing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Techo-Bloc Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Ciccarello, Yvon Laporte, Hugo Laporte
  • Patent number: 6841108
    Abstract: A balustrade product including an elongated molded housing formed of a synthetic material is disclosed. An insert member is embedded within the molded housing to form a plurality of holes extending longitudinally through the molded housing. The insert member includes supports having openings and pipes extended through the openings. The supports each have a circumferentially spaced plurality of tabs that are sized to extend to an outer portion of the molded housing. The pipes are positioned in parallel relation to one another and in parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of the balustrade product. Each of the holes is configured to receive connecting pins for releasable connection with the support structure. The balustrade product is formed by centrifuge molding process with the insert member placed within the mold halves allowing the tabs to engage the mold halves to position and hold the insert member in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Savenok
  • Patent number: 6838043
    Abstract: A synthetic leather made of a nonwoven fabric impregnated and/or coated with a polymer, with a surface weight of 100 to 500 g/m2, and a tensile strength greater than 300 N/5 cm in the lengthwise and the crosswise direction, where the nonwoven fabric is made up of melt-spun multi-component endless filaments, aerodynamically stretched and directly laid up to form a nonwoven material, having a titer less than 2 dTex, and wherein the multi-component endless filaments, after preliminary bonding, are split and bonded by at least 90% to produce supermicro endless filaments having a titer less than 0.2 dTex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Rudolf Wagner, Robert Groten
  • Publication number: 20040262805
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering wheel is provided that includes the steps of placing the steering wheel in a molding tool and injecting a flowable, curable composition therein. The molding tool has internal surfaces contoured to impart to articles molded therein the appearance of genuine leather. The parting line or splitline of the molding tool is positioned such that it is substantially aligned with a region of the molding tool contoured to impart to the article molded therein the appearance of a seam on a leather wrapped steering wheel. A method of forming a molding tool for injection molding a steering wheel having a covering is also provided. The method includes the step of forming a separable molding tool from a replica of a leather wrapped steering wheel, the molding tool having regions proximate an interface of the mold portions contoured according to the stitched leather around the outer periphery of the wrapped steering wheel core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: William E. Bostick, Alex Konig
  • Publication number: 20040256770
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a safety helmet, including forming, through a process of injection molding using a single mold, a basic safety helmet comprising a basic outer shell having a brim integrally formed with a dome. The brim of the basic safety helmet may have a uniform and constant width, or a variable width around a lower perimeter of the dome. The method also includes selectively removing portions of the basic safety helmet after the basic safety helmet is formed to produce a modified safety helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher Padgett, William B. Erb
  • Publication number: 20040251575
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes the steps of: removably positioning a first terminal edge of a first conduit portion with a first terminal edge of a second conduit portion; facing the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; aligning the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; engaging the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion; maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges, thereby creating a fused joint area; and removing at least a portion of the resultant external bead extending around the fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Bryan St. Onge, Henri St. Onge
  • Patent number: 6814920
    Abstract: A method of preventing delamination of multiple layers of an oriented polymer container having an opening defined by the multiple layers comprising a bi-axially oriented multilayer polymer container having an opening defined by a perimeter at which the multiple layers are exposed; heating the perimeter until workable; providing a curling die; feeding the multilayer perimeter into the curling die to curl the perimeter sufficiently to inhibit delamination of the layers and a container when so made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: DTL Technology Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Martin H. Beck, George F. Rollend
  • Patent number: 6811472
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward inline lapping of magnetic tape. The lapping process is performed inline with one or more other magnetic tape manufacturing processes. In this manner, the number of times the magnetic tape is un-spooled and then re-spooled can be reduced. Consequently, the amount of handling of the individual tape pancakes can also be reduced, thus avoiding damage to the edge of the tape, or other damage associated with tape pancake handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Nang T. Tran, Arne B. Boberg, Douglas R. Plourde, William R. Qualls, Edward L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6811732
    Abstract: A method of producing a polymer insulator and an end processing apparatus utilized for the method. The insulator has a core, an overcoat member arranged on the core, and a fitting member for securing the core at its both ends, wherein the core and the fitting member are secured under pressure at both ends of the core by contacting a ring-shaped protrusion portion arranged at both ends of the overcoat member to an open inner end of the fitting member. The method includes the steps of: forming the overcoat member on the core; forming the ring-shaped protrusion portion integrally with the overcoat member by processing an end portion of the overcoat member, and securing the fitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiro Marumasu
  • Patent number: 6803002
    Abstract: A method for treating the surfaces and edges of a block to mimic the appearance of natural stone. The apparatus and method can treat up to four sides of a block, can be adjusted to provide varying degrees of surface and edge treatment, and useful in high volume block production equipment. Blocks are produced having a natural, weathered appearance without the damage, breakage, dust, or expense associated with conventional splitting and tumbling methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Antal Z. Suto, John A. Campau, John Daniel Campau, Donald L. Reuschel, Robert A. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20040197478
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a plated plastic article, which requires no chemical etching and can ensure high quality of plating without addition of a large amount of any inorganic filler in order to form a physically rough surface for an effective plating adhesion. After molding thermoplastic materials having a shear strength of 50 MPa or more, the surfaces of the molded articles are subjected to liquid honing treatment with an aluminum abrasive so that the surface roughness Rz (average roughness of ten points) is 10 &mgr;m or more, and subsequently addition of catalyst, activation treatment, and electroless plating are carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Tatsuaki Takagi
  • Publication number: 20040178528
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for edge-machining in particular plastic spectacle lenses (L) with two aligned holding shafts (14, 16) rotatable with a controlled angle of rotation (&PHgr;B) about a rotational axis of a workpiece (B) between which the lens may be clamped and a tool spindle (12) by means of which a combination tool (10) may be driven rotationally about a rotational axis of a tool (C) running parallel to the rotational axis of the workpiece. The holding shafts and the tool spindle may be moved with position control towards each other in a first axial direction (X) and optionally parallel to each other in a second axial direction (Z) perpendicular to the first axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jochen Diehl, Steffen Wallendorf
  • Patent number: 6790393
    Abstract: An article and method of preparing a synthetic solid surface material having a simulated burled wood effect in a pattern formed by preparing a resin matrix with iron oxide pigments and pearlescent mica pigments, adding a darker mica pearlescent pigment and/or an iron oxide pigment composition with a slightly less specific gravity than the matrix for the creation of a burling effect, pouring into a flat substrate in paths, and applying vibration or agitation which generally allows or speeds the darker pigment to rise and bubble to create a burling effect on the back side of the solid surface. The back side of the slab, the surface generally not in contact with the mold, is then sanded to the desired thickness on a wide belt sander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick O. Kraker
  • Publication number: 20040173929
    Abstract: A method of forming a compacted pellet of organic materials adaptable for making an organic layer on a structure which will form part of an OLED display, includes providing a sublimable organic material in a powder form; providing a thermally insulating and non-sublimable inorganic material in a powder form; forming a mixture of the sublimable organic powder and thermally insulating and non-sublimable inorganic powder; placing such mixture into a die and using two punches, a lower and an upper punch, to apply sufficient pressure to the mixture to cause the mixture of powders to consolidate into a solid pellet; applying heat to the die during or prior to applying pressure by the opposing punches to aid in causing the mixture of powders to consolidate into a solid compacted pellet, and removing the pellet from the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Syamal K. Ghosh, Donn B. Carlton, Tukaram K. Hatwar
  • Patent number: 6780356
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for creating an acoustically absorbent porous panel comprises the steps of dispensing cement and fibers with a dry mixer to create a dry mix and aqueous mixing water, surfactant and air with an aqueous mixer to create a foam. The process and apparatus provides for combining and mixing the foam and dry mix in a combining mixer to form a foamed cementitious material comprising on a wet basis about 53% to about 68% by weight cement, about 17% to about 48% by weight water, about 0.05% to about 5% by weight fibers, and about 0.01% to about 10% by weight surfactant. The foamed cementitious material is then dried or cured in a drying chamber. The dried foamed cementitious material may then textured with an embossing roller. The cementitious material provides good acoustical performance with enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Dean L. Putt, John J. Hartman, Jr., Chester W. Hallett, Andrea M. Moser
  • Patent number: 6780369
    Abstract: A method of finishing concrete using a vibrating tool to consolidate a “dry shake” aggregate into the upper layer of the concrete. The use of the vibrating tool causes moisture within the concrete mass to migrate into the surface layer where the moisture may hydrate the aggregates in the dry shake mixture. The ability to cause upward migration of water in the concrete mass provides a larger window of finishability for the concrete. The vibrations also provide thorough consolidation of aggregates in the upper layer of the concrete mass helping to prevent delamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Face International Corp.
    Inventors: Darrell Darrow, Glenn F. Rogers, Jr., Samuel A. Face, Jr., David Francis, Michael Davis, Yuting Wang
  • Publication number: 20040144224
    Abstract: A golf ball manufacturing method comprises a step of holding a spew (B) of a seam (C) of a golf ball (G) in a predetermined position, a step of deciding whether the position of the seam (C) is normal, and a step of distinguishing the necessity of the processing of the golf ball based on the decision, and furthermore, a step of processing the seam (C) which removes the spew (B) of the seam (C) and smoothens a removing mark, and the step of processing the seam (C) is constituted by a plurality of stages including cutting and grinding. The processing is carried out at an angle obtained by inclining an angle for processing the seam C in the direction of the flow of a polymer in the seam C. According to the golf ball manufacturing method, the appearance of the seam is very smooth and the performance of the ball can be more uniform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jun Yamakawa, Yasuhiro Watabe