Spaced Molded Portions Interconnected By Solid Preform Patents (Class 264/251)
  • Patent number: 6841111
    Abstract: A method of making a polyurea—polyurethane composite structure that is substantially free from emission of volatile organic compounds is disclosed. The composite structure produced according to the method of the subject invention has a flexural modulus of at least 200,000 lb/in2. The composite structure includes first and second layers. A mold substrate is provided and a first-layer polyisocyanate component and a first-layer resin component are reacted and sprayed onto the mold substrate to form the first-layer. The first-layer polyisocyanate component includes an aliphatic polyisocyanate, and the first-layer resin component includes a polyamine thereby forming a polyurea show surface having a Shore D hardness of at least 65. After application of the first-layer, a second-layer polyisocyanate component and a second-layer resin component are reacted and sprayed behind the first-layer to form the second-layer of the composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Rickner, Joseph Jibrail, Jose Camba, Carlos Velasco, Jr., Calvin Peeler, Michael May
  • Patent number: 6821467
    Abstract: A thin film keypad includes a retainer sheet and a plurality of keycaps molded onto keycap attachment regions on the retainer sheet such that the keys are mechanically secured to the retainer sheet. The retainer sheet is made of a thin film material, such as polycarbonate or polyester, and each keycap attachment region includes at least a hole and/or at least one retainer anchor portion. The keycaps are molded from a plastic material, such as polycarbonate or polyester, ABS or a polycarbonate/ABS blend. The thin film material is placed in a molding tool and the plastic material is injected into a keycap mold cavity such that the plastic material flows through the holes and/or around the retainer anchor portions, thereby anchoring the keycaps to the retainer sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Multi-National Resources
    Inventors: Christopher M. Wolfe, Steven M. Dunham
  • Patent number: 6811733
    Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of composite parts via resin transfer molding in a single molding cycle. The method includes the steps of using a mold having first and second mold members that cooperate to house a plurality of shims and placing a plurality of preform workpiece into the mold cavity such that at least one of the shims is disposed between each of an adjacent pair of the preform workpieces. A liquid resin is then injected into the mold cavity and subsequently cured to thereby form a cured workpiece matrix that is composed of a plurality of semi-finished composite parts and at least one shim separating the plurality of semi-finished composite parts from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Karl M. Nelson, Thomas R. Cundiff, Scott A. Miller
  • Patent number: 6797214
    Abstract: A method for treating workpieces (307, 801, 802, 803) to be injection moulded in a production process comprises a step for forming a workpiece (307, 801, 802, 803) by injection moulding so that during the injection moulding, the workpiece is fastened to a given elongated transport arrangement (301, 302, 304, 305, 306). The workpiece (307, 801, 802, 803) is moved forwards in the production process by means of the elongated transport arrangement (301, 302). Subsequently the fastening (311) of the workpiece (307, 801, 802, 803) is partly detached from the elongated transport arrangement (305, 306) and the workpiece (307, 801, 802, 803) is fastened, supported by the fastening remaining between itself and the transport arrangement, into a position where it is substantially outside a plane (800) defined by the transport arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: IT Innovations Finland Oy
    Inventors: Jari Ruuttu, Filip Törnroos
  • Patent number: 6790398
    Abstract: An elastic doll capable of being bent at sites therein which are to be bent and kept from being bent at sites therein which are not to be bent, to thereby be deformed in a natural manner and capable of being downsized. The elastic doll includes a trunk (1), arms (2) and legs (3) in which a skeleton member (7) is embedded. The skeleton member (7) is constituted by first cores (8) made of metal and arranged at sites in the doll corresponding to joints and second cores made of rigid synthetic resin and arranged at sites in the doll corresponding to distal ends thereof and positions between joints adjacent to each other. The first cores (8) and second cores (9) are connected to each other, wherein the first cores (8) are covered with synthetic resin (6a) as required. The skeleton member (7) is covered with a skin/flesh member (6) made of soft synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takio Ejima, Hirokazu Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 6780365
    Abstract: A process for producing a composite molded article is described. The composite molded article includes: (i) at least one base body (1) having a contoured surface; (ii) at least one first thermoplastic part (4, 5, 6); and (iii) at least one second thermoplastic part (2, 3), each of the first and second thermoplastic parts being joined to the base body. The process includes, (a) providing a multicomponent injection molding tool (20) having at least two separate melt flow-way systems and at least two cavities in which each of the first and second thermoplastic parts are separately formed, each of the cavities are in separate communication with each of the separate melt flow-way systems. The base body is placed into the molding tool in a second step (b). The cavities of the mold are separated from each other by a combination of the contoured surface of the base body and sealing edges of the molding tool that abut the contoured surface of the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hubert Goldbach
  • Patent number: 6773651
    Abstract: An article support such as a shelf or a table top has a frame that, in its heated state, slidably receives a glass or plastic planar sheet into grooves along two opposing edges of the frame, until an end of the sheet abuts a third edge of the frame that joins the two opposing edges. The edges of the frame have lips that rest on a portion of the top surface of the sheet. When cooled, the frame contracts such that the edges of the sheet are tightly engaged within the grooves of the frame and the lips tightly abut the top surface of the sheet, thereby creating an article support that resists spills around its periphery. The frame may be reheated to expand the material of the frame, permitting removal of the sheet from the frame. Thus, the frame and the sheet may be recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Baytech Plastic Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Goyette, Patrick R. Maheu
  • Patent number: 6749781
    Abstract: A method of making a shoe sole. The method comprising introducing a sheet portion of a thermoplastic material into a first mold, introducing a quantity of an outsole material into the first mold, and using the first mold to form an outsole member comprised of the outsole material and the sheet portion with the sheet portion being secured to the outsole material. The method further comprises introducing the outsole member into a second mold, introducing a quantity of a midsole material into the second mold, the midsole material being in liquid form when introduced in the second mold, and allowing the liquid midsole material to cure to a resilient condition to form a midsole portion secured to the sheet portion. The midsole portion and outsole member constitute the shoe sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Meramec Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Niles F. Maurer
  • Patent number: 6709618
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resin spring which can improve close contact between a spring body and inner-pressure generating members to reduce variations in load characteristics due to repeated deformation during use. The method of manufacturing a resin spring includes the steps of forming an elastomer preform having inner closed chambers, compressing the preform by applying an external force to produce a permanently deformed portion to form a spring body having at least one permanently deformed inner chamber, injecting an inner-pressure generating resin into each of the at least one permanently deformed inner chamber of the spring body, and molding the inner-pressure generating resin into an inner-pressure generating member by using the spring body as part of a die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Makino, Tsutomu Tomizawa
  • Patent number: 6692675
    Abstract: A method for producing a control valve assembly using a mold comprising an upper mold half (20) and a lower mold half (21). A shaft (11) with premounted bearing blocks (13) or other functional components is placed in the mold, and the control valves subsequently are injection-molded on the shaft (11) in cavities (22) via feeders (23) to produce the control valve assembly. Afterward, the bearing blocks (13) can no longer be detached. Because they are produced separately, the bearing blocks can have a complex geometry. This allows a considerable degree of freedom in the geometric design of the control valve assembly while nevertheless ensuring cost-effective production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Schraudolf, Klaus Rentschler, Helmut Neuschwander
  • Patent number: 6692674
    Abstract: A fastener product includes a planar base, multiple discrete plateaus molded integrally with and extending from an upper surface of the base each plateau having an upper surface that is smaller in area than an overall area of the base covered by the plateau, and an array of discrete fastener elements integrally molded with and extending from the upper surface of the plateau. The product is molded on a mold roll covered by a sleeve either made of a resilient material or having apertures intersecting an inner surface of the sleeve at an inner opening that is smaller than an outer opening of the aperture at an outer sleeve surface to form an edge of the fastener product of decreased sharpness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Wallace L. Kurtz, Jr., Ernesto S. Tachauer, Brian J. Vanbenschoten, William L. Huber
  • Patent number: 6663819
    Abstract: According to a molding method for a conductive plate of this invention, a substrate having through holes each corresponding to each protruded portion is employed and the substrate is sandwiched between both dies. Then raw powder is filled into each housing portion provided opposing each through hole in the substrate provided in each of both dies, through the through hole in order to form each protruded portion. Then the protruded portion is formed integrally with the substrate by heating the raw powder under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Araco Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiichiro Morozumi
  • Patent number: 6649097
    Abstract: A gasket is provided on a porous sheet in one body. The gasket is thin and has an excellent sealability, and processability when the gasket is built in layer-built fuel cells. The gasket is made of liquid rubber and has a hardness not more than 60 (JIS A). Liquid perfluoro rubber and liquid silicone rubber is preferably used for the gasket. And gasket can be made by injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nok Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Sasaki, Kazuhisa Senda, Osamu Nagai, Shigeo Wakamatsu, Osamu Ando, Tasashi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 6649108
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a net-shape moldable U-shaped heat sink assembly includes injection molding a thermally conductive polymer composite material. The method includes forming a heat sink assembly base member with a number of integrated fins members thereon. A right upstanding wall extends from a first side of the base member and a left upstanding wall extends from a second side of the base member to form a substantially U-shaped heat sink assembly. To enhance thermal conductivity, fins members may be integrally formed into the base member, right wall and/or left wall during the molding of the heat sink assembly. Also, a flexible metallic substrate or hinges may be embedded within the U-shaped heat sink assembly to permit positioning of the right wall and left wall relative to the base member for custom configuration of the heat sink assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Cool Shield, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal
  • Patent number: 6622588
    Abstract: The invention concerns a remote control device for a motor vehicle comprising a cable (22) whereof the ends (26, 28) are each provided with a connecting piece (34, 36), a sleeve (24) wherein the cable can slide such that the cable ends (26, 28) exceed the sleeve ends (30, 32), and clips (42, 44) for interlocking the sleeve ends on parts of the vehicle. The connecting pieces (34, 36) and the clips (42, 44) are overmoulded on the cable and on the sleeve respectively from a common plastic material, thereby enabling to control accurately the distance (A or B) between the connecting piece and the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventors: Vincent Feuillard, Carine Paumier, Olivier Seuge
  • Patent number: 6588162
    Abstract: A reverse molded fiberboard panel; a wainscot kit comprising a plurality of differently sized reverse molded panels, and a planar finishing or spacer panel, adapted to completely cover any size wall between a wall base board and a wall chair rail; and a method of reverse molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, raised panels without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The reverse-molded panels are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press, in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Dale E. Schafernak, Karine Luetgert, Bei-Hong Liang, Lee Braddock
  • Patent number: 6569367
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to reduce irregularity of the amount of applying of the conductive paste applied for forming the side face electrode so as to be extended from a part of the side face of the component body up to a part of the face adjoining the side face, wherein the conductive paste is filled into the slit provided on the slit plate, and the component body is disposed with its side face toward the first principal face side of the slit plate, followed by allowing the shutter member to undergo elastic deformation toward the inside of the slit by compressing the shutter member comprising an elastic material with a projection on the compression member, thereby the conductive paste is applied so as to extend the paste from a part of the side face of the component body up to a part of the faces adjoining the side face while supplying the conductive paste on in the slit so as to swell on the first principal face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Okuyama, Tadahiro Nakagawa, Takehiko Miura, Makoto Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6555509
    Abstract: A multi-phase solid toilet article whose phases are separated by a membrane, and processes for making the article are described. Each phase is reproducibly fabricated to form an article allowing the user to sequentially or simultaneously derive benefits from the different materials contained in the article's layers. The membrane is either at least partially water soluble or dispersible in the case of a product used with water, or shearable in the case of a cosmetic product which is applied directly to or rubbed on the skin. The membrane material is selected to dissolve or disintegrate with product use, so as to accomplish its intended function of separating the different cosmetic materials until they are consumed. The flowable toilet or cosmetic formulations are simultaneously or separately transferred into the mold, simultaneously or separately allowed to harden, where the membrane divider is not removed and becomes a part of the finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Syed Husain Abbas, Ray Hui, Laurie Ann Coyle
  • Patent number: 6544457
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for manufacturing dental floss holders has at least one strand of dental floss from a supply spool extended through the space between mating mold pieces and thereafter to a take-up device. From each injection stage of the molding cycle a rack of connected dental floss holders is produced. Tension of the floss is maintained from the upstream supply spool by a first tensioning device through the mold to the downstream end by the take-up device. During each injection cycle the take-up device engages another rack of molded parts and moves it to a downstream position where it is severed from the strand of floss while it maintains the tension in the floss upstream of the severed rack. This is achieved by the take-up device engaging at least two successive racks downstream of the mold and using the rack closest to the mold to maintain tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Placontrol, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Rieser
  • Publication number: 20030047836
    Abstract: A method of making a polyurea-polyurethane composite structure that is substantially free from emission of volatile organic compounds is disclosed. The composite structure produced according to the method of the subject invention has a flexural modulus of at least 200,000 lb/in2. The composite structure includes first and second layers. A mold substrate is provided and a first-layer polyisocyanate component and a first-layer resin component are reacted and sprayed onto the mold substrate to form the first-layer. The first-layer polyisocyanate component includes an aliphatic polyisocyanate, and the first-layer resin component includes a polyamine thereby forming a polyurea show surface having a Shore D hardness of at least 65. After application of the first-layer, a second-layer polyisocyanate component and a second-layer resin component are reacted and sprayed behind the first-layer to form the second-layer of the composite structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen Rickner, Joseph Jibrail, Jose Camba, Carlos Velasco, Calvin Peeler, Michael May
  • Patent number: 6528001
    Abstract: A composite article including a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, a peripheral wall extending between the front and rear ends, a wall support located rearwardly of the front end of the peripheral wall and at least one paragraph formed in the wall engaging support. An end cap is positioned on the front end of the tubular body to obstruct the wall engaging support except for at least a portion of at least one of the passages and to define a channel between the end cover and the peripheral wall. A plastic coating fills at least one passage in the channel and overlaps the cover to fasten the cover to the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6524515
    Abstract: The method provides for forming a supporting structure of the steering wheel, the structure having a metal core and an outer cover layer of polymer material; for each portion of the structure to be covered with valuable material (e.g. brier), two curved preformed half-shells of multilayer composite material are formed of such shape and size as to fit, facing each other, on opposite sides about the corresponding portion of the structure, so as to define a substantially continuous, tubular shell; the portion of the structure is wound, over the outer cover layer, with at least one layer of cloth impregnated with a polymer resin and to which the preformed half-shells are applied; and polymerization of the polymer resin, conducted in a heated mold, ensures adhesion of the half-shells to each other and to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Cavalli S.r.l.
    Inventor: Luigi Cavalli
  • Patent number: 6521158
    Abstract: A plastic container comprises a main body, a large-diameter member and a small-diameter-formed member. The main body is formed of a plastic laminate film into a tubular shape. The large-diameter-formed member is joined to the outer surface of the end of the main body by an insert-injection process. The small-diameter-formed member is jointed to the inner surface of the other end of the main body by the insert-injection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tooru Ichikawa, Yoshiji Moteki, Yoji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6517334
    Abstract: A molding tool for producing several assembly injection molded components, especially assembly injection molded switching dampers, which are combined into a subassembly by inserting an insertion part, and a method for producing such a subassembly from several components using the molding tool of the invention. The insertion part is encapsulated at least partially by one or more of the components to be injection molded, as a result of which a completely assembled subassembly is produced in the original molding process. This can be, for example, a switching damper assembly 18, which results from a common actuating shaft 17. In this way, assembly injection molded components 14, 15 with a complicated structure can be produced, for which a molding tool with only a single molding cavity would not be usable. The individual components 13 are produced in different mold cavities, which preferably are mounted rotatably on a carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Neuschwander
  • Publication number: 20020101002
    Abstract: A method for bonding molded pieces, comprising the steps of: providing a mold which can be split into left and right molds, said right mold having a cutting blade formed on a left side thereof so as to be along outer circumferential surfaces of the molded pieces, and said left mold having a blade bearing portion formed on a right side thereof for bearing said cutting blade; setting a pair of molded pieces having sectional shapes coincident with each other into said left and right molds, respectively, in such a manner that end surfaces of said molded pieces to be bonded are put inside so as to face each other, wherein said pair of molded pieces each individually being an extrusion-molded piece or a die-molded piece; attaching said left and right split molds with each other while inserting a sheet material acting as a bonding medium therebetween, so that said end portions of said molded pieces to be bonded are brought into contact with each other via said sheet material, and that said sheet material is cut into
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Fumio Harada, Kazuharu Konishi, Yoshihiro Masada, Toshio Nakaike
  • Patent number: 6426028
    Abstract: A roller body having a shaft formed from a first thermoplastic material and defining at least one roller. The shaft is a single component injection-molded shaft. A casing at least partially encases the roller and is formed from a second thermoplastic material different from the first thermoplastic material. The casing is bonded to the roller by an injection-molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignees: Sarnatech Spritzguss AG, Rutishauser Data AG
    Inventors: Stephen Lerch, Thomas Rutishauser
  • Publication number: 20020079612
    Abstract: A female member of a snap fastener with tape comprising a female button made of synthetic resin which is integrally molded on front and back faces of the tape so as to hold a peripheral edge of an attachment hole of the tape having at least one attachment hole and which has an engaging opening to be engaged with a male button at a substantially center portion of the female button. The female button has at least one mold hole extending in a front and back direction of the tape, and at least one portion of the tape extends to an inside of the female button across the mold hole. At least one cut-out recessed in a diameter direction of the female button is defined in a portion of an inner peripheral engaging face of the engaging opening, and a gate burr is formed at a bottom face of the cut-out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Shunji Akashi
  • Patent number: 6404728
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an objective lens driving apparatus comprising a lens holder which holds an objective lens and is driven in a focusing direction and a tracking direction with reference to the optical disk, at least two wires having first ends secured to the lens holder and controlling posture of the lens holder, and a wire holder to which second ends of the wires are fixed, the method comprising the steps of preparing a first integrally molded member including the lens holder and the wire holder which are connected together by a holder connecting frame to be removed after assembly, preparing a second integrally molded member including the wires which are suspended from a wire holding frame to be removed after assembly, positioning the second integrally molded member relative to the first integrally molded member such that the first ends of the wires are connected to the lens holder and the second ends of the wires are connected to the wire holder, and removing the wire holding frame and the holder
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shinozuka, Tomohiro Murayama, Tomomi Wakabayashi, Taizo Tateishi, Hiroshi Kawakami
  • Patent number: 6387316
    Abstract: A method and system for inserting a golf ball precursor product into a cavity of a mold half for precision centering is disclosed herein. The precision centering allows for the concentricity of core in relation to the cover of a golf ball. The system includes an insertion mechanism that allows for the vertical movement of a plurality of vacuum cups along a longitudinal pathway. The vacuum cups retain the golf ball precursor products and insert each into a corresponding cavity on a mold half. As the vacuum cups are lowered along the longitudinal pathway, the mold half is elevated along the longitudinal pathway. The mold half and vacuum cups meet at an insertion position where the golf ball precursor products are released from the vacuum cups and set within a thermoset material contained in each of the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Gary G. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6361727
    Abstract: Brassiere underwires are made in a three step process in which, initially, pairs of injection molded polyamide tips are formed on a continuous flexible strand of carbon fiber or aramid fiber material which can be baked to impart stiffness thereto. In a second step, the strand is cut between the tips to form lengths having the tips at extremities thereof. The lengths are then shaped in a half barrel or plate mold and baked to harden the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Gerhard Fildan
  • Publication number: 20020003321
    Abstract: A method of compression moulding an article from rubber moulding material incorporating hollow inserts avoids damage to the inserts. Where compression moulding takes place in an enclosed mould at an elevated pressure, the pressure can distort and damage the hollow inserts especially if they are of plastics. In order to avoid such distortion and damage, the method compresses during moulding creating a pressure in a cavity of the insert which substantially balances the pressure exerted on the exterior of the insert by the rubber moulding material in the mould. The pressure in the cavity is preferably produced by introducing some rubber moulding material into the cavity of the insert. This material becomes pressurized during moulding and supports the interior of the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Kelly
  • Patent number: 6337043
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resin spring which can improve close contact between a spring body and inner-pressure generating members to reduce variations in load characteristics due to repeated deformation during use. The method of manufacturing a resin spring includes the steps of forming an elastomer preform having inner closed chambers, inserting inner-pressure generating members into the inner closed chambers of the preform, and compressing the preform with the inner-pressure generating members therein by applying an external force to produce a permanently deformed portion having an oriented molecular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Makino, Tsutomu Tomizawa
  • Patent number: 6321434
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing sealing tool comprising a socket (3) and a head (4) at one end and the other end of a linear element (2) respectively and a protrusion (11) for locking the head (4) in a head-insertion hole (10) of the socket (3), which comprises the steps in the mentioned sequence of fixing a core ball (13) and either the socket (3) or the head (4) to the linear element (2), cutting the linear element (2) at a point close to the core ball (13), pulling the linear element (2) to bring the core ball (13) to be set in a cavity (27) and filing a synthetic resin in the cavity (27) in a manner such that the core ball (13) and the socket (3) engageable with the head (4) are integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Toska Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mikio Kubota
  • Patent number: 6322736
    Abstract: An improved elastomeric mold for use in fabricating microstructures, the mold having first and second surfaces, the first surface including at least one recessed microchannel and the second surface including an access opening or filling member that extends through the mold to the first surface and communicates with the recessed microchannel. The mold is used by placing it onto a substrate with the recessed microchannel facing the substrate. The access opening of the mold is filled with a liquid material which is capable of solidifying. The access opening continuously introduces the liquid material into the space defined between the microchannel and the substrate. After the liquid material solidifies, the mold is removed from the substrate thereby leaving a microstructure formed from the solidified liquid material on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenan Bao, John A. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20010042940
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resin spring which can improve close contact between a spring body and inner-pressure generating members to reduce variations in load characteristics due to repeated deformation during use. The method of manufacturing a resin spring includes the steps of forming an elastomer preform having inner closed chambers, inserting inner-pressure generating members into the inner closed chambers of the preform, and compressing the preform with the inner-pressure generating members therein by applying an external force to produce a permanently deformed portion having an oriented molecular structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: HIROKI MAKINO, TSUTOMU TOMIZAWA
  • Patent number: 6306328
    Abstract: The cable comprises a connecting means, such as an end termination, and the sheath comprises a retaining means, such as a ring. The method comprises the operations consisting in: placing the cable and the sheath in a mold which has two molding cavities which are shaped to allow the molding of said connecting means and said retaining means, these cavities being arranged given a distance apart that corresponds to a distance to be obtained between this connecting means and this retaining means; the positioning means allow either the sheath or the cable or both to be positioned with respect to each of the corresponding molding cavities, and closing the mold then molding the connecting means and the retaining means simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Frabrications
    Inventors: Didier Baffert, Nicolas Cosmides
  • Publication number: 20010026872
    Abstract: A plastic container contains a liquid, such as toilet water or soy source, and is suitable for containing a refill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Yoji Tanaka, Toru Ichikawa, Tomio Tahara
  • Publication number: 20010019758
    Abstract: A nonslip member in which a large number of nonslip convexes are fixed to an upper surface of a base fabric performing an anchoring action, and the nonslip convexes are made of rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Keiji Hiraoka, Tomohiro Hayashi, Masanobu Inohara
  • Patent number: 6241930
    Abstract: A method of attaching an applique to a garment includes the providing of die press member and a backing plate press member. Die cavities are formed on one face of the injection molding die press member, each preferably of a uniform thickness of about 1.0-3.5 mm. The die cavities are open for communicating with a garment surface. The open area corresponds in size and shape with final design elements to be affixed to the garment. The garment is placed in-between the die and a backing plate member. The injection molding die member places its open cavity portion against the garment. The backing plate press member and die press member squeeze the garment therebetween to form a seal at the peripheral surface. The die member and an injection moldable silicone polymer are heated to a temperature of about 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit (200° F.-250° F.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Ubertech Texas, Inc.
    Inventor: Don Harrison
  • Patent number: 6230409
    Abstract: A building panel constructed of a gypsum-cement-catalyst formulation molded in layers and including a rigid stud framework. The layers include surface layers, a fire resistant layer and an insulating layer, as well as reinforcement and building paper. A modified panel is molded in layers with structural strength provided by a grid providing spaced apart wire panels. The panel is constructed by a method that includes applying a fluid material of gypsum and cement into a mold having a removable base. Reinforcing mesh and a rigid framework are inserted into the mold along with building paper and reinforcement which are secured to the framework. Additional gypsum and cement are then applied to cover the framework after setting. The base is removed and the initial layer of gypsum and cement is mechanically fastened to the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Earth Products Limited
    Inventors: Patricia Billings, Susan Michalski
  • Patent number: 6196937
    Abstract: A thread-wound golf ball comprising a large, heavy center with rubber thread windings and a cover is disclosed. The center has a diameter of about between 1.40″ and 1.53″, a weight of about between 24-34 g and a deformation of about between 0.080-0.160″ when subjected to a 200 lb. load. The cover is a thermosetting or thermoplastic material with a hardness range between 40-70 Shore D. A golf ball according to the invention exhibits the combined superior characteristics of two-piece and three-piece golf balls, i.e., ease of manufacture, feel, playability, durability and distance travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Sanjay M. Kuttappa
  • Patent number: 6193914
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding thermosetting polymers onto clothing. The apparatus includes at least one molding device, at least one polymer supply and a control system for controlling the operation of the molding devices and polymer supplies. The molding devices include die sets having an input member and a mold. The polymer supplies supply polymers for injection into the input members of the molding devices for use in molding three dimensional bodies of polymers onto substrates such as clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ubertech Texas, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Harrison
  • Patent number: 6159410
    Abstract: The invention relates to a first gypsum-based composite article reinforced with glass fibers. This first article has a first member made of a hard gypsum, a second member made of a soft gypsum, and a mat made of the glass fibers. The mat is embedded in the article in a manner that the first and second members are bonded together by means of the mat. This first article is superior in resistance to external force acting thereon and to severe environmental conditions, even if the gypsumbased article is light in weight and thin in thickness. The invention further relates to a second gypsum-based composite article having a base plate, a glass fiber mat bonded to the base plate, and a gypsum layer formed on the glass fiber mat such that glass fibers of the glass fiber mat are embedded in the gypsum layer. This second article also has superior characteristics as those of the first article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Yoshino Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Haga
  • Patent number: 6146563
    Abstract: The inventive method relates to manufacturing of thermoformed packaging items or parts thereof having a non-uniform wall thickness and containing at least one layer with a specific function which at least one layer needs for this function a specific minimum thickness. In a first method step a multilayer film material (10) containing the layer with the specific function is produced, e.g. by coextrusion. In a second method step a thermoformable blank (30) is produced by injection molding onto the multilayer film material (10) a substantially flat injection molded part (21) with thicker and thinner portions. In a third method step the blank (30) is thermoformed into the packaging item or part thereof or into an item (40) from which the packaging item (50) is produced in further steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance
    Inventors: Geoff Holland, Olivier Charriere
  • Patent number: 6139787
    Abstract: A method for applying molded silicone design elements onto substrates is provided. The apparatus and method of the present invention use a cold-mold injection molding process to apply molded silicone design elements onto substrates, including delicate substrates such as fabrics and paper. A cold-mold injection molding process is used to avoid tearing, burning or otherwise damaging the substrates. The molded silicone design elements are preferably multi-colored and three-dimensional. The design elements may include foreground elements and background elements of varying colors and dimensions, which together form an overall artistic design in relief. The molded silicone design elements may also be textured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Ubertech Texas, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Harrison
  • Patent number: 6106757
    Abstract: A lid (1) made of a thermoplastic material for covering an open upper end (42) of a container (40). The lid (1) comprising a lid body (10) with an opening (11) for dispensing and a pull cap (20) having a cap portion (21) to reclose the opening (11) and a pull tab portion (22) integrally formed with the cap portion(21). The opening (11) is covered by a gas-barrier film (23) sealed to a lower surface of the lid body (10). The cap portion (21) is sealed to the gas-barrier film (23) and a clearance (25) is provided between the opening (11) and the outer periphery (15) of the cap portion (21). A method of manufacturing the lid involves inserting the gas-barrier film into a mold cavity, injecting a thermoplastic resin into the cavity to form the lid body, while still warm the molding is removed. After removal, the molding can be thermally shaped along its periphery to form a flange (12) for mounting to a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Per Ohlsson, Elmar Mock
  • Patent number: 6080347
    Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening system. The mechanical fastening system is attachable to a complementary receiving surface. The method comprises the steps of providing an elastically extensible substrate and stretching the substrate. Prongs are applied to the substrate while the substrate is stretched. The prongs are joined to the substrate at a base and extend outwardly from the substrate along a shank to an engaging means. The substrate is released, whereby it is allowed to contract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: David Joseph Kenneth Goulait
  • Patent number: 6071455
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for manufacturing a thermoplastic panel or piece having a resilient injection molded portion. The panel or piece of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications such as to provide sealing ends on thermoplastic panels or to create resiliently closeable passages in thermoplastic panels through which wires and other objects may be passed while maintaining an even surface appearance of the baseboard panel. Other uses include attaching one or more thermoplastic pieces together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Crane Plastics Company Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Herbert Hutchison, Paul R. Pelfrey, Byron Rose
  • Patent number: 6066282
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making a toothbrush comprising making a toothbrush head having at its basal end a first engagement part, then making a toothbrush grip handle from a plastics material by a handle molding process, during the handle molding process forming a second engagement part at the head end of the handle in engagement with the first engagement part, such that the engagement between the first and second engagement parts retains the head and grip handle together, and toothbrushes made by this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Kramer
  • Patent number: 6054087
    Abstract: A decorative sheet including a decoration and a process for forming the sheet are disclosed. This process comprises the following steps:using a mold consisting of at least two parts, at least one part of which is formed of at least two elements, at least one element (5) corresponding to the medallion and at least one other element (6) corresponding to the periphery of the piece, around the medallion;placing the decorative sheet (20) on the element corresponding to the medallion and closing the mold;within the cavity of the mold, isolating the space (23) located below the decorative sheet from the peripheral space (21);injecting plastic material in succession into the spaces thus isolated; andejecting the piece obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Centre d'Etudes et Recherche pour l'Automobile (Cera)
    Inventors: Daniel Noirot, Olivier Vitrant