Abstract: Composite structures with internal cavities are constructed with relatively stiff walls that can support additional composite laminate layers, creating a self-tooling structure. The structure is subsequently simulcured, preferably in combination with elevated temperatures or pressures. Preferred structures are long and slender, and are constructed with one or more internal cells. Rotor blades are especially suited to the preferred construction methods. The walls can be advantageously constructed using composite sandwich panels, having an exterior laminate layer. In preferred embodiments, additional composite layers can be added before or after the simulcuring process.

Abstract: An end plug (1) for insertion into an end of a paper roll includes an inner (2) and an outer piece (3), the pieces being rotatably attached to each other and prevented from axial movement in relation to each other by at least one protrusion (6) of one of the pieces running in an annular groove (7) in the other of the pieces. A method of manufacturing such an end plug is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of first and second elongated shafts each having an end effector attached to a distal end thereof and a handle. The handle is movable from a first position wherein the end effectors are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the end effectors are closer relative to one another. Each of the elongated shafts includes a hinge plate which mounts atop a pivot assembly for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The instrument also includes a hinge assembly made from an overmold composition which encapsulates and secures the hinge plates and the pivot assembly. The overmold composition is made from an electrically insulating material which insulates the end effectors from one another.

Abstract: A sun visor for a vehicle is made by inserting a coverstock material into a mold and molding a core behind at least part of the coverstock material. The coverstock material is thus integrally connected to the core and will follow the contour of the core.

Abstract: A line set having a plastic body made of plastic material for contacting a sensor and to a method for manufacturing a line set of this type. The plastic body includes at least one flexible, elastic area like a film hinge. At least one cable is embedded plane-parallel in the plastic body over its length.

Abstract: An apparatus manufactures a composite product having a first molding product and a second molding product. The second molding product is supported by the first molding product through a supporting member. The apparatus includes a molding die, and an injection molding machine supplying a mold material into the molding die. The molding die includes a first cavity for molding the first molding product, a second cavity for molding the second molding product, a first passage for introducing a molding material into the first cavity from the injection molding machine, and a second passage for introducing a molding material in the first cavity into the second cavity.

Abstract: A sliding member structure is stably operated by preventing rattling and achieves a decrease in cost. A male helicoid is provided in a fixed barrel, and a female helicoid is provided in a focus barrel. The focus barrel is made of a light-transmissive resin. The fixed barrel is made of a sliding material to which a curable material is not fixed. The fixed barrel and the focus barrel are set by a fixture to dispose the male helicoid and the female helicoid with a predetermined clearance, and the curable material is filled into the clearance between the male helicoid and the female helicoid. The curable material is cured by irradiating UV rays. A cured material layer is formed on a surface of the male helicoid.

Abstract: A method of producing a throttle assembly. The method including inserting a first core into a mold portion to form a first throttle component cavity between the first core and the mold portion, providing a first thermoset plastic material into the first throttle component cavity to form a first throttle component, removing the first core from the mold portion while maintaining the first throttle component positioned within the mold portion, inserting a second core into the mold portion to form a second throttle component cavity between the mold portion, the first throttle component, and the second core, providing a second thermoset plastic material into the second throttle component cavity to form a second throttle component, removing the second core from the mold portion, removing the first throttle component and the second throttle component from the mold portion, and separating the first throttle component from the second throttle component.

Abstract: The present invention provides molds and methods for producing articulating spacers that are custom-fit to the bone and can be used in two-stage revision knee arthroplasty and other orthopaedic surgery.

Abstract: A cardiac valve prosthesis having a frame and two or more leaflets (preferably three) attached to the frame. The leaflets are attached to the frame between posts, with a free edge which can seal the leaflets together when the valve is closed under back pressure. The leaflets are created in a mathematically defined shape allowing good wash-out of the whole leaflet orifice, including the area close to the frame posts, thereby relieving the problem of thrombus deposition under clinical implant conditions.

Abstract: A dispensing cap is provided for a container and includes a body portion having a formed sliding track thereon. An opening is provided in the body for providing access through the body. A retention slot is formed adjacent the sliding track. A slider is moveably positioned within the sliding track for selectively opening and closing the body opening. A frangible tab is initially formed as part of the slider and engaged within the retention slot to fix the position of the slider within the sliding track. Removal of the frangible tab permits the slider to move relative to the body opening. The cap is formed by an injection molding process, in conjunction with an in-mold assembly of the slider.

Abstract: The invention concerns a closure with pouring means comprising a first part including pouring means (4) and a base (3) having a skirt for being fixed to the body of the container and first rigid fixing means for a second part including a cap (6) having a top wall, a skirt (20) and sealing means (22) for the pouring means (4), means (7) for pivoting the cap (6) and second rigid fixing means complementary of the first rigid fixing means. The pivoting means (7), located transversely plumb over the skirt of the cap (6), comprise a globally hollow deformable part delimited by an upper arc-shaped segment of reduced thickness belonging to the skirt (20), by a lower arc-shaped segment of reduced thickness belonging to the second fixing means, and by two axially oriented free edges, such that when the stopper is opened, the pivoting angle of the cap may be of the order of 180°.

Abstract: An energy absorber includes a base sheet and a plurality of crush lobes extending from the base sheet. Each crush lobe includes a side wall oriented to crush and collapse to absorb energy when impacted in a first direction and includes an end wall. At least one of the base sheet and the end wall of at least one crush lobe includes an integrally-formed protruding countermeasure of lower standing strength than the crush lobes so that the protruding countermeasure acts to dampen movement causing buzzes, squeaks and/or rattles between the end wall and an adjacent structure. The countermeasure can be integrally formed or an insert, such as a magnet or other insert. Methods related to the above are also described.

Abstract: A self desiccating container with a living hinge includes a container body made from a resin bonded sorbent and at least one attachment feature, and a container closure having a closure portion engageable with the container body to close the body and an attachment feature compatible with the attachment feature on the container body for securing the closure to the body, and a living hinge connecting the closure portion to the attachment feature.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a throttle valve unit having a housing part and a valve flap part that can move in relation to it includes the steps of injection molding the housing part of a first plastic material in a first cavity, transferring the molded housing part to a second cavity spatially decoupled from the first cavity, and injection molding the movable valve flap part out of a second plastic material in a second mold cavity inside the molded housing part. Before the molded housing part is transferred to the second cavity, it is subjected to an intermediate treatment in order to influence the shrinkage behavior, thereby selectively adjusting the gap geometries between the parts.

Abstract: A temple bar assembly for eyeglasses is provided having several adjustable members wherein all of the joints are formed by utilizing in-mold-assembly techniques to reduce the assembly steps required to form such a temple bar assembly. The temple bar assembly includes at least one of the following adjustment points: temple length, inclination angle and/or hinge attachment all formed using IMA while further resulting in a temple bar that has increased adjustability and utility. Also, the materials selected may include either hard or soft plastics to form either component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a patient aid device, such as a walker (W), includes the steps of molding a polymer or plastic connector (60) over first and second metal structural members (22, CB) to maintain the structural members in a first geometrical relationship. After the plastic has cured, the method includes the step of rotating the first structural member or front leg (22) relative to the plastic connector (60) to form an integral hinge without any seam in the plastic. The resultant walker includes front legs (22) hinged via the connectors (60) at opposite ends of the front cross brace (CB). The front leg (22) and rear leg (24) of each side frame (SF1, SF2) of the walker are interconnected by a lower cross brace (40) that has plastic preferably molded about the entire periphery of each leg.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an airbag lid section for a vehicle is disclosed wherein one of a core material (11) and an inner lid (13) is molded in a molding die assembly upon which molten resin for the other one of the core material and the inner lid is injected into the molding die assembly without causing the one of the core material and the inner lid to be removed from the molding die assembly after which the molten resin is solidified, whereby the core material (11) and the inner lid (13) are continuously molded in the molding die assembly while during the step of molding the inner lid (13), molten resin is injected with the intervening of wall surfaces of slide dies and subsequently solidified for thereby forming hinge portions integrally with the inner lid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of securing a puller member in a control handle for a deflectable catheter. The method comprises preforming an end of the puller member, placing the preformed end in an insert mold, filling the insert mold with thermoplastic material to form a molded member, and positioning the molded member encasing the end of the puller member in a control handle. The method may also include shaping the thermoplastic material into a screw configuration and fastening the molded member to a wall in the control handle. The method may further include joining the end of the puller member with an end of a second puller member, and placing joined ends of the puller members in the insert mold.

Abstract: A resin main body (3) defining a bore (7) through which intake air flows, and a valve body (60) having a shaft part (20) rotatably supported by the main body (3) and a valve part (4) for opening and closing the bore (7) of the main body (3) are provided. The main body (3) is molded with the valve body (60) inserted together with a pair of bearing sleeves (24). At the time of molding the main body (3), the bearing sleeves (24) are biased in a direction opposite to the flow of the intake air with the valve body (60) being positioned in place.

Abstract: A method of a double starwheel unit in multiple rows with a multi-hole manner, an instrument and the like are disclosed. The double starwheel unit has a sleeve and two starwheel parallel-arranged and connecting the sleeve. The instrument has a plate-like assembly fixture and an orientation mechanism. The plate-like assembly fixture has a plurality of strip-like tools. The method combines the strip-like tools with the plate-like assembly fixture and a plurality of module holes, presses an exterior mold on the starwheel onto upper and lower surfaces of the plate-like assembly fixture, and injects a working fluid to shape the double starwheel units. The strip-like tools are engaged or disengaged by the orientation mechanism.

Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a threaded fastening member, a slidable member, and a resilient member. The threaded fastening member has a threaded portion. The slidable member is slidably sleeved on the threaded fastening member. The slidable member forms a resisting portion defining a threaded hole. The threaded hole is engagable with the threaded portion. The resilient member resists the threaded fastening member and the slidable member. The threaded portion of the threaded fastening member extends through the threaded hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of flap mechanisms in air distribution pipes of combustion engines, wherein the flap mechanisms essentially comprise a frame and a flap rotatably mounted within the frame. To fulfill the demands in regard to the tolerances of the components, the frame and the flap is molded with an injection molding tool out of the same material, such that the flap is placed securely into the frame after the injection molding process. In a further operation, bearings are inserted between frame and bearings.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric beam is provided. The method includes inserting a piezoelectric body and a pair of roller pins into an injection molding form. Once the piezoelectric body and roller pins are enclosed within the injection mold form a liquefied substance is injected into the injection molding form. The liquefied substance solidifies to substantially permanently affix the roller pins to opposing distal ends of the body.

Abstract: A housing for a hand-held electronic device and a corresponding method for forming the same are provided. The housing includes a first extruded element having a profile corresponding to a cross-section of the element, which is perpendicular to the direction of extrusion. The housing additionally includes a second extruded element, separate from the first extruded element, having a profile corresponding to a cross-section of the element, which is perpendicular to the direction of extrusion. At least complementary sections of the first extruded element and the second extruded element are respectively removed, such that when the first extruded element and the second extruded element are coupled together at least a portion of the originally extruded profiles, after the removal of the complementary sections of each of the first extruded element and the second extruded element, intersect without interfering.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a patient aid device, such as a walker (W), includes the steps of molding a polymer or plastic connector (60) over first and second metal structural members (22, CB) to maintain the structural members in a first geometrical relationship. After the plastic has cured, the method includes the step of rotating the first structural member or front leg (22) relative to the plastic connector (60) to form an integral hinge without any seam in the plastic. The resultant walker includes front legs (22) hinged via the connectors (60) at opposite ends of the front cross brace (CB). The front leg (22) and rear leg (24) of each side frame (SF1, SF2) of the walker are interconnected by a lower cross brace (40) that has plastic preferably molded about the entire periphery of each leg.

Abstract: A release system for releasably securing a container in a closed position is provided. The release system is integrally formed with a container component that is to be applied to a container. The container component is formed with the release system in a first position, which is later moved to a second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for proving solar shields are provided. In one embodiment, a solar shield system comprises at least one solar shield having a first set of snap-fit features positioned on the first solar shield to engage with attachment channels of an enclosure; at least one solar shield cover having a flexible hinge integrated therein, the at least one solar shield cover further comprises a second set of snap-fit features for coupling the at least one solar shield cover with the at least one solar shield; and a plurality of fastening devices for securing the at least one solar shield and the at least one solar shield cover to the attachment channels of the enclosure.

Abstract: A capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.

Abstract: A connectable cupcake holder is disclosed. The device comprises a base portion defining a recess for holding a pastry, a lid portion at least partially detachably attachable with the base portion for enclosing the pastry in the recess of the base, and at least one connector portion on an outer perimeter of the base, the connector portion detachably attachable with a connector portion of another cupcake holder, whereby a cupcake can be placed in the recess of the base and enclosed by the lid, and where a plurality of cupcake holders can be connected together and carried as a unit. The device further comprises a handle portion detachable attachable with the lid via a handle clip.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the friction, wear, and function of an injection-molded throttle valve unit, including a throttle valve housing and a throttle valve that can move in relation to it. The throttle valve housing is injection molded out of a first plastic material inside a first cavity, then transferred to a second cavity. Bearing bushes are inserted into the throttle valve housing to constitute a hard material on hard material friction pairing between the bearing bushes and the throttle valve housing; either the bearing bushes are inserted into the throttle valve housing in a non-rotating fashion and the valve shaft rotates in relation to the bearing bushes or the bearing bushes rotate in relation to the throttle valve housing. The moving throttle valve is injection molded from a second plastic material inside the second cavity. The bearing bushes are preferably manufactured out of a metallic material and remain dimensionally stable when subjected to the injection pressure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a valve unit is disclosed that includes providing a plurality of injection molding dies that define a cavity corresponding in shape to the valve unit. The valve unit includes a housing and a valve, and the housing defines a fluid flow path with an axis having an upstream direction and a downstream direction corresponding to a predetermined direction of fluid flow in the fluid flow path. The valve is cantilevered and includes a valve body having a coupled end rotationally coupled to the housing and a free end, and the valve body rotates about the coupled end to thereby change flow through the fluid flow path. The method also includes simultaneously molding the housing and the valve within the cavity such that the valve body is formed with the free end extending away from the downstream direction of the axis of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A friction hinge includes a socket made up of a compressible elastomer insert sleeve inside a relatively rigid cup substrate. The insert sleeve defines an opening with a lip around the opening, and a relatively rigid ball or other center portion can be snap assembled through the lip and opening to center itself in the socket. A mount portion extends through the opening off the ball/center portion, and hand pressure on the mount portion can adjust the angular position of the joint. The size of the ball/center portion relative to the size of the cup substrate causes dimensional compression of the insert sleeve, such as about 15% of its thickness. The compression of the insert sleeve creates a controlled friction force on the ball/center portion, so the snap assembly friction hinge works consistently over a long time and over wide temperature ranges.

Abstract: A method is provided for molding an integral joint including a stationary member and an enclosure rotatable about the stationary member. The method utilizes a joint formation assembly defining an inner cavity, a first passageway connected to the inner cavity, an outer cavity surrounding the inner cavity, and a second passageway connected to the outer cavity. The method includes the steps of: introducing moldable material into the inner cavity from the first passageway to form the stationary member; introducing moldable material into the outer cavity from the second passageway to form the enclosure; and divorcing the inner cavity from the outer cavity for separately and independently forming the enclosure around the stationary member to allow rotatable movement of the enclosure about the stationary member.

Abstract: A closure is provided having a base formed of a first material and cap formed of a second material. The first material and the second material are chemically incompatible with one another such that the base and the cap do not bond together when formed using a sequential injection molding process. The cap is movable upon the base between a closed and open configuration. The closure forms a seal impervious to liquids when the cap is in the closed configuration. Alternatively, in the open configuration, the closure is suitable to dispense a product.

Abstract: A baby bathing apparatus comprising an easily stored, relatively planar expanse of material configurable into a relatively concave configuration for deployment at least partially within a basin, and a method of forming the same. A material and configuration of a deployed bathing apparatus comfortably and securely retain a baby during bathing. One or more fastening means can be employed to securely yet detachably retain the expanse in a deployed configuration, while also allowing the bathing apparatus to resume a non-deployed, relatively planar configuration.

Abstract: A safety device for a container having a dispenser rod that is controlled by being depressed may comprise a base configured to be secured to the container while the container is in use; and a blocking member pivotally movable relative to the base, and configured to take up an active position in which it opposes depression of the dispenser rod by an endpiece coupled to the dispenser rod, said endpiece being moved by the user in order to cause product to be dispensed, and an inactive position in which it allows the dispenser rod to be depressed, the blocking member being capable of keeping the active or inactive position into which it is placed by the user once the user ceases to act on the blocking member, the blocking member being connected by a hinge to the base.

Abstract: A writing instrument comprising a writing utensil and associated handles interconnected to each other to allow a user to selectively position the writing utensil in either an extended position of use or a closed position of storage, as well as a variety of positions there between. In an open position, the handles may be positioned adjacent one another with the writing utensil extended longitudinally away from the adjacent handles in a position of use. In a closed position, the handles may be positioned adjacent to the longitudinal length of the writing utensil, with the writing utensil at least partially enclosed between the handles in a position of storage. The rotation of the handles about the writing utensil allows a user to manipulate the handles in a variety of ways, similar to that of a “butterfly knife” or similar device comprising balisong style openings.

Abstract: A visor assembly includes a first core pad facially secured to a second core pad by a plurality of first connecting members of the first core pad engaging a plurality of second connecting members on the second core pad. A frame is secured to at least one of the first core pad and the second core pad. A cover material covers the exterior of the first core pad and the second core pad and is secured by a plurality of retention members. The retention members are located on an interior surface of at least one of the first core pad and the second core pad.

Abstract: An inflatable insulating food substance container holder including a plurality of substantially vertically oriented sub-chambers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a weighted mounting platform, the method including: of a first injection moldable material, injection molding a substantially rigid body structure further comprising a substantially central hub with a plurality of legs projecting therefrom and an enlarged mass positioned adjacent to an end portion of at least two or more of the plurality of legs distal from the hub; of a second injection moldable material, injection molding a flexible skin covering at least a portion of the body structure between each enlarged mass and the central hub; and subsequent to the injection molding a flexible skin, freeing the enlarged mass positioned adjacent to an end portion of at least two or more of the plurality of legs for motion relative to the central hub.

Abstract: A novel method for the preparation of a pre-filled plastic syringe, and preferably the preparation of a plastic syringe pre-filled with a diagnostic contrast agent wherein said syringe comprises as components a barrel, a tip seal capable of sealing the nozzle of the barrel and a piston capable of sliding in the barrel and sealing the open end of the barrel opposite the nozzle, comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least one component of said syringe which is molded under conditions which are substantially free of pyrogens and viable and non-viable particulates; and (b) filling and assembling said syringe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to multi-functional carriers for carrying items and methods for constructing carriers. According to some embodiments the carrier includes a holder and a strap molded of foam material. The strap and holder may be coupled together in various configurations to create loop through which one or more objects may be inserted or removed from within a cavity in the holder.

Abstract: A method for producing an object including at least one autonomous part movably disposed relative to an affixing part includes: providing a mold having at least one cavity configured to produce the at least one autonomous part; filling the at least one cavity with a curable or solidifying molding compound that includes a pulverulent sintering material and a binder; allowing the molding compound to solidify so as to form the at least one autonomous part; removing the at least one autonomous part from the cavity; disposing the at least one autonomous part in or on the affixing part so as to form a preform; and heat treating the preform so as to form the object.

Abstract: A food serving utensil is provided for grasping food. The utensil includes two concave, bowl-shaped members oriented relative to each other to define a cavity. The bowl-shaped members are rotatably coupled at a hinge to allow opening and closing of the cavity using a single hand. The hinge is preferably made of a resilient material and extends over the bowl-shaped members to provide a gripping surface for operation. A lock is provided to lock the bowl-shaped members in a partially closed position. The locked position enables the food serving utensil to be easily stored in limited spaces such as a kitchen drawer. The lock is also preferably designed such that utensil will not open inadvertently while stored. The lock is released by pushing the bowl-shaped members toward each other, preferably in a specific location on the bow-shaped members. A method for making the utensil is provided.

Abstract: A dispensing closure includes a base (36) and a lid (40) of one-piece integrally molded plastic construction. The lid is hinged to the base for movement between an open position spaced from the base and a closed position overlying the base. The base has a deck (50) with an outer surface, a dispensing opening (58), a radially inwardly and axially outwardly facing conical surface (56) extending from the dispensing opening to the outer surface of the deck, and a radially outwardly facing first snap/seal bead (52) surrounding the deck adjacent to the outer surface. The lid has a pintle (68 or 86) for receipt in the dispensing opening, a wall (70) spaced radially outwardly from the pintle and a radially inwardly facing second snap/seal bead (72) on the wall for engagement with the first snap/seal bead on the base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously injection molding a first component and a second component, the second component having a protrusion that is positioned in a hole in the first component, including the steps of mating together molds having cavities that define the first component and the second component, positioning a gated core pin in one of the molds, the gated core pin having an outer configuration to define the hole in the first component and having a blind hole to define the protrusion in the second component, injecting a material into the cavities to form the first component and the second component and withdrawing the gated core pin from the mold, whereupon the protrusion on the second component is positioned in the hole in the first component allowing movement of the first component relative to the second component.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for injection co-molding and assembling of articles made of plastic material, the articles having a first part provided with a hinge pin, and a second part provided with an annular element designed to be connected to each other by hinging. The apparatus includes a mold having separate mold impressions for two parts of the article to be produced; a first molding member, defining the impression of the pin, and a second molding member, defining the impression of the annular element, are axially movable and operatively connected to cam control elements forming part of the same injection mold. The cam control elements are shaped and arranged in such a way as to cause, after the opening of the mold, the automatic assembling of the plastic article, via a selective sequence of axial movements of the two molding members, during the demolding step of the molded article.

Abstract: A method of making a composite support structure and sander includes the steps of providing a rigid plate adjacent a mold such that a polyfoam layer can be formed to a front surface thereof which includes a wall defining a contained surface, the plate having a back surface for connection to a handle and introducing into the mold fluid components which react to form a polyfoam which is reaction bonded to the front surface of the rigid plate such that a back surface of the polyfoam layer forms within the contained surface and about the wall in a complementary manner thereto and a front surface of the polyfoam layer extends outward from the front surface of the rigid plate and is formed to have a relatively planar surface thereby rendering the composite support structure for removably connecting sandpaper to the relatively planar surface of the polyfoam layer.

Abstract: A method for creating spout assembly for use with a container having an internal chamber in communication with a predefined opening includes molding steps. A hollow body is molded of a first material and includes a passage therethrough. A base member of a second material is molded over the hollow body in a mold using at least a part of the hollow body as at least a part of the mold, The base member is configured to be secured to the container and is configured to cover the predefined opening. The step of molding the base member over the hollow body is carried out such that the hollow body is rotatably mounted to the base member to be movable between an open position and a closed position upon completion of the molding step.