Uniting Spaced Preforms, By Introducing Fluent Material Therebetween Patents (Class 264/261)
  • Patent number: 6228290
    Abstract: An article of manufacture, such as an encapsulated dual lens sealed instrument cover, includes four components, namely, a first lens having a peripheral edge encapsulated by a polymeric/polymeric injection molded encapsulation or border and a second lens also have a peripheral edge encapsulated by a second injection molded polymeric/copolymeric encapsulation or border. A hermetic chamber is thereby formed between the two lenses. The first encapsulation is also provided with threads or similar fastening means to readily secure the instrument cover to an instrument “can” containing any variety of instruments, such as a nautical compass, amperage/voltage, fuel, etc. The first lens is inserted into a cavity of a mold and the first encapsulation is injection molded thereabout. The latter two components are then assembled with respect to the second lens and the second encapsulation is injection molded thereabout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Reames, Bob Herrmann, Howard Daley, Ron Peel
  • Patent number: 6216329
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display panel, a support means for supporting the display panel, and a housing for accommodating the display panel and the support means. The support means includes a first member to which the display panel is attached, a second member attached to the housing, and an elastic member disposed between the first and second members. The first and second members are integrally thermally bonded to each other via the elastic member through a process including a step of disposing the first member and the second member at prescribed positions within a mold, and an injection molding step of forming the elastic member between the first and second members by injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Kaga, Makoto Uehara
  • Patent number: 6217977
    Abstract: A gas blow shaped air cushion with multiple cells is disclosed. Wherein the air cushion is formed by gas blowing shaping, the gas blow shaped air cushion with multiple cells is formed by an air cushion with a plurality of independent cells. Each two cells are retained with a proper gap, by which as the air cushion is compressed due to movement, each of the cells has a proper space for elastic deformation. The gas blow shaped air cushion has a width thinner than that made by prior art mold injection and thus the weight of an air cushion is reduced and the air cushion becomes more useful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Li-Chieh Lin
  • Patent number: 6217810
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a gear case comprising two support cylinders inclined relative to each other, a movable mold is arranged to be movable between an open position and a closed position in which a cavity for molding the gear case is defined between fixed and movable molds. First and third slide cores each having a protrusion are slidably supported by the movable core such that when the movable mold is moved to the closed position, the protrusions of the first and third slide cores are inserted into the cavity. Before closing the mold, first and second case-mounting surfaces are formed on the protrusion of the first slide core, axially spaced from each other, and a third case-mounting surface is formed on the protrusion of the third slide core. With a bearing case fitted on each case-mounting surface, the mold is closed and a molten resin is injected under pressure into the space between the protrusions of the first and third slide cores and the inner wall of the cavity to form the gear case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: VIV Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Tadashi Hishida
  • Patent number: 6217809
    Abstract: A method for splicing an improved strength tape having longitudinally extended strands comprises the trimming or patterning of the strands of the respective ends that are to be joined so that the ends can be mated together in a meshing arrangement. The two ends are placed in a splicing tray. An adhesive film is interposed between the two ends and the splice tray is closed. The splice tray is placed in a compression molding press which applies a predetermined time-temperature-pressure treatment profile which cures the adhesive film. The resulting splice has essentially the same physical dimensions of the strength tape, and similar stiffness characteristics to that of the strength tape. Further, the strength of the splice is more than sufficient for use in a communication cable. Because the complete splice process can be completed in less than 4 to 5 minutes, the splice can be performed on-line with the use of a strength tape accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond P. DeFabritis, Richard D. Small, Jr., Carlos F. Solis, Priya L. Tabaddor
  • Patent number: 6197231
    Abstract: When sealing an insulating glass pane (51) with at least one corner in which the edges (60) of the glass panes of the insulating glass pane (51), i.e. the edges which lead to the corner, include with one another an angle, for example a right, obtuse or acute angle, the sealing nozzle (4) is moved without stopping in one pass around the corner (61) and as the sealing nozzle (4) moves around the corner the emergence of the sealing mass from the sealing nozzle (4) into the edge joint is not interrupted. When travelling around one corner (61) the path (79) of movement of the axis which is aligned perpendicular to the plane of the insulating glass pane (51) to be sealed and around which the sealing nozzle (4) can turn is guided such that it deviates from the outside contour of the insulating glass pane (51). For sealing nozzles (4) which are guided to slide externally along the edges (60) of the glass panes of the insulating glass pane (51), i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Lisec
  • Patent number: 6187242
    Abstract: A connector molding method in which the accuracy of positioning of a plurality of metal terminals is enhanced, and also even if part of a housing is formed into a thickened portion, a shrink mark and a warp will not develop in the molded connector. At a first stage of the connector molding method of the invention, a plurality of male metal terminals are kept insulated from one another, and in this condition these metal terminals are insert molded, thereby forming a primary molded body. Then, at a second stage, the primary molded body is properly positioned, and is insert molded, thereby forming a secondary molded body which is a final molded product (connector).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Onoda
  • Patent number: 6180038
    Abstract: A method for bonding a tube into a device each of which is formed from a thermoplastic polymer. The device has first and second solid members in spaced apart relationship to form a hollow cavity therebetween. At least one linear channel extends through each of said solid members in an aligned relationship, such that a tube may be passed through in sliding engagement, including through the hollow cavity. Molten polymeric composition is injected into the hollow cavity at a temperature lower than the melting point of the thermoplastic polymer so as to bond to the thermoplastic polymer and to the tube to form fluid-tight bonds therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Joseph Anthony Cesaroni
    Inventor: Anthony Joseph Cesaroni
  • Patent number: 6171534
    Abstract: A method of making a loudspeaker cone and surround assembly comprises clamping at least the outer marginal edge of a cone in a mold having a cavity defining a surround and injecting an elastomeric material into the cavity through an annular orifice extending substantially continuously around the said marginal outer edge to form a surround attached to the outer marginal edge of the cone. The method includes the step of feeding the elastomeric material to the annular orifice through an annular feed chamber extending around the mold cavity. The annular orifice may be narrow in width in comparison to the thickness of the surround and the method may comprise the step of separating the surround from an annular ring of sprue formed by elastomer which has solidified in or outside the annular orifice by tearing while the elastomer is still hot from the injection molding step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Patrick Arthur Leach, David Ian Leach
  • Patent number: 6165403
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a filter cartridge that has a filter medium, which, on the circumferential side, is surrounded with clearance by a gasket-seal. The method provides for a frame to be arranged in the gap formed by the clearance, and sealingly bonded to the edges of the filter medium and the gasket-seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Udo Michaelis, Jorgen Knudsen
  • Patent number: 6136248
    Abstract: A method of making a composite plastic knob including the steps of forming a plastic core having a front wall of a generally uniform thickness with an integral discernible window portion formed in a fin projecting outwardly of the front wall and with the window having a thickness less than the generally uniform thickness of the front wall; positioning an anvil in the core in supporting engagement with the window portion of the fin and injection molding an outer covering of an opaque plastic of a contrasting color over the front wall of the core except for the window portion of the fin thereof. The knob includes a plastic core having a front wall of generally uniform thickness and an integral portion of a window formed in a fin projecting outwardly of the front wall. The window is thinner than the front wall of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6132664
    Abstract: A method of forming a seal in a confined configuration with a moisture curable, alkoxy-functional RTV composition. The method comprises the steps of: (i) applying to a first substrate comprising a grooved substantially flat surface a moisture curable alkoxy-functional RTV composition; (ii) positioning the grooved substantially flat surface in occluding proximity with a substantially flat surface of a second substrate, so the alkoxy-functional RTV composition effects a seal therebetween; (iii) exposing the alkoxy-functional RTV composition to a detrimental temperature; and (iv) curing the alkoxy-functional RTV composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Lee Freiberg, Richard Alan Palmer
  • Patent number: 6132663
    Abstract: A method for mass producing midsoles for articles of footwear includes the following steps: forming first midsole portions of an article of footwear in predetermined sizes with a hollow area for receiving an insert and an aperture in at least one side of the first midsole portion for viewing the insert; forming inserts in predetermined sizes and shapes for placement in the hollow area of the first midsole portions; matching the predetermined size of the inserts to one or more predetermined sizes of first midsole portions; forming the size and shape of the hollow area and aperture for a given size first midsole portion to accommodate the predetermined size and shape of the insert; placing inserts into the hollow area of size matched first midsole portions; adjusting the position of the at least one aperture gasket along the side of the mold to align with the aperture in the first midsole portion; inserting the aperture gasket into the aperture of the first midsole portion to completely seal the aperture; pouri
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Johnson, Chang Dong Fong
  • Patent number: 6126882
    Abstract: A socket tool is formed primarily from non-metallic composite material. The socket tool body is compression molded of high-strength, glass-reinforced vinyl ester sheet molding compound. Metal inserts are respectively received in the driven and driving ends of the tool body, the inserts respectively defining openings for respectively mateably receiving associated driving and driven members, the inserts being disposed in the body so that no portion of the inserts projects outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the body. The inserts are preferably insert molded in the body, but may also be fixedly secured in pre-existing recesses in the ends of the body, as by press-fitting or bonding. In the latter case, the inserts are provided with anti-rotation outer surfaces which are non-circular in transverse cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean J. Iwinski, Marco E. DeVecchis, Gregory A. Zurbuchen, George Ulics
  • Patent number: 6120720
    Abstract: This method involves the injection molding of a polymeric/copolymeric frame about a peripheral edge of glass panel in association with a pair of brackets to form a refrigerator shelf. The glass panel is placed in a cavity of a mold with a peripheral edge of the cavity corresponding to a peripheral edge of the glass panel. The cavity has side cavity portions each housing one of the shelf brackets. Polymeric/copolymeric synthetic plastic material is injected into the cavity preferably adjacent corners thereof such that the forces of the injected material are essentially self-balancing about the peripheral edge of the glass panel, thereby maintaining the glass panel in substantially mating conformity with the cavity to produce a relatively consistently contoured and cross-sectioned frame which, upon the solidification of the plastic material, also unites the shelf brackets to the glass panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignees: Gemtron Corporation, Mecalit GmbH
    Inventors: Max Meier, Karl-Heinz Meier
  • Patent number: 6117384
    Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of plastic articles such as light assemblies, and the articles made by said process, are disclosed. The disclosed process includes a step wherein one or more colors are decorated onto a single film which is then incorporated with other components in an in-mold decorating process to yield the improved articles of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael N. Laurin, Brian A. Nourse, David P. Reis, Karen D. Riding, Blair Souder, Gary A. Soutier
  • Patent number: 6117380
    Abstract: Method and apparatus of manufacturing a synthetic resin tubular member having differently oriented inlet tube and outlet tube portions uses a pair of displaceable molding dies. One of the dies is rotatable relative to the other die. The molding dies have a core portion fitted to the tube end of one of the inlet and outlet tube portions and is slideable in a direction different from the direction in which the dies open and close. The method includes the steps of core insertion, die clamping, injection, die opening, core removal, ejection, and die rotation. Each time the molding die is rotated one step, a primary molding step, in which two molding halves of the tubular member are formed, and a secondary molding operation, in which the two molding halves are joined, are formed, so that a finished tubular member is obtained for each rotational movement of the molding dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Daikyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichiro Shirai, Akira Shimonishi, Daimon Okada, Ryuji Takashina
  • Patent number: 6103168
    Abstract: An applique article for a "B" pillar or other external surface of a vehicle is composed of integrally bonded cosmetic and functional materials. The applique article includes a thermoplastic base portion, an elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer functional sealing lip portion and a decorative covering portion applied to an exposed surface of the article. At least the functional sealing lip portion and the base portion are integrally bonded together in a mold during a process of manufacturing the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventor: Walter J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6099779
    Abstract: A cover unit for a vehicle roof, which can be opened, has a cover plate, a reinforcing frame arranged therebelow, and a seal-receiving frame, injection molded around the outer periphery of the cover plate, the seal-receiving frame having an encircling groove for receiving a peripheral seal at its outer periphery. In a process for the manufacture of a such cover, an inwardly directed part of the peripheral seal directly serves as a core which forms the seal-receiving groove by which it is detachably interlocked with the seal-receiving frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Webasto-Schade GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Brandner, Hans Jardin
  • Patent number: 6090324
    Abstract: A forming system for constructing stone benches which incorporates a forming tray that has a central support extending therethrough. The central support is temporarily supported at opposite ends and temporary shoring is provided beneath the length of the forming tray. Concrete and stone are placed in the forming tray and allowed to set. Next, the set concrete and stone are removed from the forming tray and support legs are placed under the concrete and stone and they are lowered into final position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Paul A. Keady
  • Patent number: 6076246
    Abstract: An automotive interior trim panel has an outer flexible skin that overlies a rigid backing panel formed with a foam entry hole through which foam precursors are poured into a space between the skin and panel and they react and expand to generate a foam layer within the space. Tab projections are carried by the panel and extend into the foam space to at least partially cover the opening and provide rigid backing support for foam expanding in the region of the entry hole to control the density of the foam in this entry hole region such that it conforms more closely with the density of the immediate surrounding foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Textron Automotive Company Inc.
    Inventor: David R. McCooey
  • 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: 6071446
    Abstract: A mold for forming a wire harness includes a trough having a concave surface. A plurality of wire supports extend into the trough for supporting a plurality of wires in the trough and spacing the wires away from the concave surface. A polymer sheath material is introduced into the trough, thereby encasing the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc
    Inventors: Timothy F. O'Brien, Joseph J. Davis, Jr., Jeffrey A. Branch
  • Patent number: 6065197
    Abstract: The present invention realizes spreading a sheet on a frame member by a simple structure and a simple process, and prevents uneven tension charged against the sheet. In the sheet spreading method of the invention, a core member for a backrest of a chair which is heated to around 200.degree. C. in a furnace is put into a flow dipping tank filled with powder resin. As a result, a resin coating is formed on the surface of the pipe constituting the core member. Also, a mesh is placed on a metal mold and clamped. Since a recess corresponding to the shape of the core member is formed in the top side of the metal mold, the mesh is spread on the core member with a tension charged against when the core member having the above-mentioned coating is pressed into the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignees: Aichi Co., Ltd., Asahi Gomu Kako K.K.
    Inventors: Toru Iseki, Takehiko Kawashima
  • Patent number: 6059483
    Abstract: A plastic joint for an automotive lamp assembly (10) has a housing (14) containing a tongue (20) and lens (12) containing a groove (18) to accept the tongue. The tongue or the groove can provide a channel for a thermoplastic material that is a bonding agent between the tongue and groove. The channel can also be formed by making the tongue narrower than the groove or by providing protrusions or depressions on the tongue or groove. The joint is formed by assembling the housing and lens and injecting the thermoplastic material into the channel in the joint. When the thermoplastic material cools, a bond is formed between the tongue and groove that fastens the lens and housing together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Dale Douglas Owens, Ronald Dennis Polley, David Oren Hunt
  • Patent number: 6053353
    Abstract: A container closure including a rim formed by injection molding, a skirt depending from rim for engagement with a container body, a top panel formed from a blank of sheet material, such as paperboard, a side panel formed from the same blank as the top panel, the side panel positioned vertically to the top panel, the top panel located and bonded to the rim, the rim bonded to an interior side of the side panel, with a portion of the side panel bonded to an exterior portion of rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Double "H" Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R Helms
  • Patent number: 6042771
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite insulator including an FRP core rod which is integrally provided with a sheath and a plurality of sheds formed of an electrically insulating polymeric material. The core rod has a longitudinal end portion provided with a seat for a metal fitting, which is integral with the sheath. To manufacture such a composite insulator, the core rod is placed in a mold cavity of a mold assembly, with a seat forming member detachably fitted to the end portion of the core rod and arranged between a pair of mold halves. An inner space is formed between the seat forming member and a core rod, which is in communication with the mold cavity. An electrically insulating polymeric material is introduced into the mold cavity to form the sheath and sheds, while admitting the polymeric material into the space between the seat forming member and the core rod so as to form a seat for the metal fitting, which is essentially free from burrs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 6033200
    Abstract: An apparatus for the prefabrication of glass blocks panel is provided. Glass blocks are spaced on a spacing rack such that upper and lower slots are formed between adjacent blocks and ajoint cavity defined therebetween. A pair of moving manifolds disposed at right angles to each other communicate with the glass blocks assembled on the spacing rack to internally caulk and seal the blocks together. The moving manifolds include vertically disposed feed tube devices, each including a pair of elongated feed tubes which are in a spring-like relation. The feed tubes include an aperture disposed on opposing surfaces proximate to the distal ends for simultaneous dispensing sealant into the upper and lower slots of adjacent glass blocks and a protruding distal end portion for simultaneously compressing the sealant into the lower and upper and lower slots of adjacent glass blocks as the sealant is released. The sealant used may be silicone, or any other adhesive that adheres naturally to glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Trend Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Fox
  • Patent number: 6015524
    Abstract: Multilayer films that include a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer film layer and a polyethylene film layer are bound together using one of the following hot melt adhesives: ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer, ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyolefin blend, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Hoechst Celanese Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Kuder, Dominick Cangiano, Vincent J. Provino, Wayne Xu
  • Patent number: 6004494
    Abstract: An electrically reactive composite article including a random or regular array of microstructures partially encapsulated within an encapsulating layer, microstructures each including a whisker-like structure, optionally having a conformal coating enveloping the whisker-like structure is described. The composite article is useful as an electrically conducting component of a circuit, antenna, microelectrode, reactive heater, and multimode sensor to detect the presence of vapors, gases, or liquid analystes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Mark K. Debe
  • Patent number: 5997793
    Abstract: A process for forming an encapsulated window assembly including a gasket member surrounding a peripheral region of a transparent sheet and a peripheral seal secured to the gasket member. The peripheral region of the transparent sheet, as well as a preformed periphery seal assembly, are positioned within a mold cavity. The periphery seal assembly includes an elastomeric seal secured to a seal support member, with the seal support member being relatively rigid as compared with the elastomeric seal. The mold is closed, bring the mold sections into facing relationship, whereby opposed surfaces of the seal support member of the periphery seal assembly are engaged between a surface of the first mold section and a surface of the second mold section. A molding material is injected into the mold so as to fill the mold cavity, is allowed to solidify, and the mold is opened and the encapsulated window assembly is removed. The invention also relates to the resulting encapsulated glazing unit and mold apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Libbey-Owens-Ford Co.
    Inventor: David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: 5993719
    Abstract: A method of producing a laminated molding, such as an air current control valve used in an air conditioner for a vehicle, is made to be united with an facing material having the flexible surface of a basic plate made of resin. When the above laminated molding is produced, a used mold should be split into a stationary mold portion and a movable mold portion. Also, a compression core is provided in the movable mold portion. The facing material is temporarily fixed on a mold-face of the stationary mold portion and a mold-face of the compressive core of the movable mold portion opposite the mold-face of the stationary mold portion, during the aforementioned state, a melting synthetic resin is fed into a mold and then the fed melting synthetic resin is compressed by moving the compression core toward the stationary mold portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Abe, Yoshiaki Saito, Terunobu Fukushima
  • Patent number: 5989470
    Abstract: A polishing pad for use in chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) of semiconductor wafers includes a multiplicity of elongated microcolumns embedded in a matrix material body. The elongated microcolumns are oriented parallel to each other and extend from a planarizing surface used to planarize the semiconductor wafers. The elongated microcolumns are uniformly distributed throughout the polishing pad in order to impart uniform properties throughout the polishing pad. The polishing pad can also include elongated pores either coaxial width or interspersed between the elongated microcolumns to provide uniform porosity throughout the polishing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Trung Tri Doan, Scott G. Meikle
  • Patent number: 5980666
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a laminated glass window equipped with sealing at one or more edges, wherein the laminated glass window contains at least two glass sheets and laminated plastic placed between the two glass sheets, wherein the laminated plastic is made of at least one principal carrier sheet, having on at least one side at least one layer that reflects infrared radiation and outer layers made of one or more thermoplastic polymers; the process involving:a) forming a plate from the laminated plastic, the plate having a geometrical shape substantially the same as the glass sheets, but wherein the plate is shorter, by an offset distance, on each of one or more edges to be sealed;b) preparing a preliminary laminated sheet by positioning the plate in relation to the glass sheets while respecting the offset distance on each of the one or more edges to be sealed and removing air from between the layers formed by the glass sheets and the plate;c) filling the interstice of the one or more edges to be sealed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Rainer Roth, Rolf Koette, Gerd Cornils, Franz Kraemling, Ulrich von Alpen
  • Patent number: 5976289
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an instrument panel includes providing a skin which forms a surface of the instrument panel and has side face portions extending rearwardly from a front face portion and providing a panel core having a recess for defining a molding space between the panel core and the skin. The front face portion and the side face portions define a bend angle. The recess of the panel core has peripheral walls for engaging the side face portions and the peripheral walls and a surface of the recess define a regular angle which is less than the bend angle. The bend angle, for instance, is larger than the regular angle by 2.degree. to 8.degree., and preferably by 3.degree. to 5.degree.. The panel core is placed in a first die and the skin is place in a second die such that the side face portions are deflected to fit into the recess of the panel core during mold closing. The dies are closed and a foaming material is injected between the panel core and the skin to integrate the panel core and the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Kawakubo, Shiro Ozaki
  • Patent number: 5972268
    Abstract: A method of forming a molded seal portion onto a corner part of a weather strip without generating any molding defect due to variations in the injection amount, injection pressure or the like of the molding material. A seal portion projecting from one side wall of a trim portion is partly cut off, the remaining trim portion is bent to a corner configuration and placed in a mold, and a molding material for the seal portion is injected into a cavity of the mold from the position corresponding to a longitudinally extending base end edge of the molded seal portion such that the molding material flows from the side of the longitudinally extending base end edge of the molded seal portion towards a distal end edge thereof to fill the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Nakajima, Hisao Hanabusa, Katsunori Kawai, Tatsuhiko Nagata
  • Patent number: 5955020
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for injecting corrosion control compound into a crevice or void such as pipe flanges featuring a corrosion control kit comprising a syringe injector having a detachable nozzle, a corrosion control compound, pipe tape and a mantle for heating the compound. Other optional items may be included in the kit. The method of the subject invention utilizes the apparatus, is cost efficient and easy to perform. The resulting seal formed between the flanges is easy to inspect and requires no maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Global Corrosion
    Inventor: Mark T. Gholson
  • Patent number: 5955017
    Abstract: Method for producing soles for shoes, which initially includes the production, by molding, of a sole that has a perimetric ridge that protrudes downwards. The sole is then placed on a plunger of a mold that has a head which is shaped complementarily with respect to the lower surface of the sole and with respect to the ridge and in which there is a recess for containing the ridge and a gap for the intended flow of a second material to be injected. The last step consists in trimming the flash, which has an intended consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Nordica S.p.A.
    Inventors: Massimo Foffano, Riccardo Perotto
  • Patent number: 5935497
    Abstract: A method of printing a graphic on an electronic memory card comprised of a card body, made of a thermoplastic material and having two main faces that are substantially mutually parallel, and an electronic module carrying electrical contacts on a contact face thereof, which contacts are connected to a semiconductor chip. The electronic memory card is molded by injecting the thermoplastic material in a molten state into a mold having a cavity defining the shape of the card body, and solidifying the molten material in the presence of the electronic module in the mold. The memory card is unmolded, and the graphic is then printed on the card body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries
    Inventor: Rene Rose
  • Patent number: 5916452
    Abstract: A process for producing an ink jet head having ink discharging outlets, a substrate with energy generating elements that discharge ink, ink pathways aligned with the energy generating elements and communicated with the ink discharging outlets, and a liquid chamber for storing and supplying ink into the ink pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Kobayashi, Shoji Shiba, Toshiaki Hirosawa, Toru Yamane
  • Patent number: 5911938
    Abstract: A molded unit is made using a rotational molding process. In making the molded unit, a tool assembly houses the mold material. A fixture assembly is also contained within the tool assembly. The fixture assembly holds an insert member in place. The insert member becomes an integral part of the molded unit during the rotomolding process. Preferably, the insert member is spaced from the inner walls of the tool assembly in order to permit mold material to flow and solidify in this space. The fixture assembly is removable from the interior of the molded unit through one or more access openings that are formed in the molded unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hilogi Jesse El, Arlen Huff, Grant Oakes
  • Patent number: 5897817
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making semipermeable membranes from cellulose acetate and for making medical devices therefrom. In the process, a molten liquid comprising cellulose acetate (CA) is extruded to produce a membrane. The solvent and non-solvent are removed from the membrane to produce a semipermeable membrane having a water permeability. The semipermeable membrane is impregnated with a liquid consisting essentially of water to render the semipermeable membrane capable of being stored until time of use without undergoing a substantial loss in water permeability. The semipermeable membrane can be incorporated in a casing in order to produce a medical product, wherein the membrane is impregnated in the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Althin Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Radovich, Melvin Rothberg, George Washington
  • Patent number: 5895619
    Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth both a method and apparatus for molding a unitary pig formed of two types of material, one being a light weight foam, and the other being a harder polymeric material thereby yielding a unitary harder material in the cast pig. The finished product involves N discs having parallel end faces and a central drilled core; the unitary cast harder material defines end located discs located adjacent to said foam core and a central core therein so that the end located discs adjacent to the foam donut are unitary with the core and bonded thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Knapp
  • Patent number: 5885691
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing reinforced twin-sheet thermoformed articles comprising the steps of heating first and second sheets of thermoplastic material; forming the sheets in molds; heating a reinforcing insert of thermoplastic material; placing the heated insert on the first sheet in its mold at the location to be reinforced; pressing the second sheet into contact with the heated first sheet and the heated insert to form the insert between the sheets so that a fusion of the thermoplastic sheets and the insert takes place to produce a reinforced section of the article having a desired shape and thickness. Alternative processes are disclosed wherein a heated quantity of thermoplastic liquid material is extruded or injected between the first and second sheets within the first and second molds either by inserting the liquid material before the molds are closed or by injecting it through one of the molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: TriEnda Corporation
    Inventors: Harlon W. Breezer, William F. Price
  • Patent number: 5855834
    Abstract: A method of production provides a plurality of conductors and a plastic-like material interlaced with the conducts in a woven pattern to hold and secure the conductors in a spaced relationship. The woven pattern of plastic-like material is formed by an injection molding process. The cable can have a plurality of conductors generally labeled as a first conductor, second conductor, and continuing to a last conductor held in a spaced relationship with each other, and each of the conductors has a beginning end and a terminating end. A narrow strip of the plastic-like compound forms a beginning base around the conductors, then it is woven over the first conductor, under the second conductor, over the third conductor ad continues in this woven pattern until the last conductor is included. Then the strip continues around the last conductor and is woven over the conductors in the opposite manner back to the first conductor, weaving the conductors together in a spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Floyd Ysbrand
  • Patent number: 5855984
    Abstract: A method for molding a composite article by injecting a plastics material resin into the fibers within a mold by a continuous web of fibers that is laid in a mold in such fashion that a honeycomb structure is produced without the web crossing itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: 3-D Composites Limited
    Inventor: John R. Newton
  • Patent number: 5846463
    Abstract: A window module has a fixed-pane window which is encapsulated by a molded trim piece having an integral portion which extends around an adjacent movable window opening. The integral trim is formed of EPDM. The window module is constructed by placing a window pane, a division post and the end of an extruded EPDM trim strip into a mold into which EPDM is injected to integrate and encapsulate the inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Kingston-Warren Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Keeney, David S. Todd
  • Patent number: 5840148
    Abstract: An improved identification marker and method of assembling the marker is provided, which includes the steps of providing a glass vial and filling the glass vial with a quick curing liquid to a predetermined volume corresponding to at least the volume wherein the unfilled volume of the vial is equal to the displacement volume of an IC circuit hybrid and antenna. The IC circuit hybrid and antenna are placed in the vial so as to be entirely enveloped by the liquid. A cap is placed on the vial and the liquid is cured. Preferably, the cap is an anti-migration cap so that when the transponder is implanted in an animal, it prevents the transponder from sliding out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Bio Medic Data Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil E. Campbell, Donald J. Urbas
  • Patent number: 5840230
    Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of hollow fiber sections for hollow fiber modules is disclosed. The process includes a casting matrix having a horizontal perforated plate, in which a number of perforations are arranged in a predetermined pattern and continuous hollow fibers are introduced through the perforations. A hardenable casting material is cast for the formation of a solid tube plate. The tube plate with embedded continuous follow fibers is raised in a vertical direction to a desired distance from the perforated plate. The tube plate is cut in the horizontal plane to expose the follow fiber ends. The steps are repeated for the formation of a hollow fiber section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventors: Svend Andreas Geleff, Knud S.o slashed.ndertoft Pedersen
  • Patent number: 5830401
    Abstract: A catheter is disclosed which includes a mechanical connection between the strain relief thereof and the hub. The strain relief operates both to secure the catheter tube to the hub and to provide strain relief for the catheter tube. The strain relief connection is assisted in gripping the catheter tube by intentional overstressing of the catheter hub during manufacture thereof to expand the hub wall and generate residual hoop stresses therein which assist in securing the catheter tube within the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Company
    Inventors: James B. Prichard, Raymond O. Bodicky