Simultaneously Shaping Material And Reshaping Preform Patents (Class 264/266)
  • Patent number: 7507362
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making modular floor tiles. The method includes adding a protective layer to a modular floor tile, which may provide surface protection, a high gloss finish, or other advantageous features. The protective layer may comprise a polymer sheet that is melded to a top surface of the modular floor tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7497981
    Abstract: A system for producing composite or bonded metal components including: first and second pressure chambers, each pressure chamber having an elastically deformable chamber wall; means for circulating fluid at an elevated temperature and pressure through each said pressure chamber; and at least one mould assembly including at least one separate mould section providing a mould cavity within which a composite or bonded metal lay-up can be located; wherein when the system is in use, the pressure chambers are held together with the elastically deformable chamber walls located in opposing relation, the at least one mould assembly containing a said lay-up being accomodated between the chamber walls while fluid at elevated temperature and pressure is circulated through each pressure chamber such that the lay-up can be compressed and cured or formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Quickstep Technology Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Neil Graham
  • Publication number: 20090051077
    Abstract: An apparatus for molding plastics having relief decorations includes a mold and a transport. The mold defines a cavity therein. The cavity provides a relief pattern area on an inner surface thereof. The transport is used for transporting a foil with a printed layer thereon into the mold, to set the printed layer in position relative to the relief pattern area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Yuan Chang
  • Publication number: 20090022963
    Abstract: A decorative sheet for injection-molding and decorating a resin simultaneously, the decorative sheet containing two resin sheets laminated on each other with at least one patterned layer intervening therebetween, and the two resin sheets having a difference in linear expansion coefficient of 4×10?5/° C. (41 to 50° C.) or less. Even after subjecting to three-dimensional processing, such as vacuum molding, the decorative sheet suffers no warpage, and can be easily released from a mold for the three-dimensional processing, and even when the decorative sheet is set in a mold for injection molding, the decorative sheet does not fall off from the mold, a resin injected does not permeate a gap between the outer surface of the decorative sheet and the mold, and the decorative sheet suffers no peeling between the sheets constituting the decorative sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Suga, Shinnosuke Hirata
  • Publication number: 20090008966
    Abstract: A molded plastic article has an injected or foamed molded section (12) with at least one insert part (24) with a part (16A-16D) which emerges from the molded section (12). The insert part (24) penetrates a deformable molded body (34) which forms a sealing element for the mold cavity when the injected or foamed molded section (12) is produced in the mold cavity of a molding tool. A process for producing the molded plastic article involves locating the molded body (34, 46) together with the insert part in the region of an edge of the mold cavity, closing the tool unit so that the molded body undergoes deformation and the mold cavity in the region of the emergence of the insert part from the mold cavity is sealed by the molded body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventors: Franz Hebauer, Jan Wokoeck
  • Patent number: 7442337
    Abstract: A method of laminating a sheet or sheets to a substrate and a method of laminating a plurality of articles. The substrate is inserted into a press. The sheet is inserted into the press over the substrate. Liquid thermoset polymer is injected into the press. Heat and pressure are applied forcing the liquid thermoset polymer against the sheet and forcing the sheet against the substrate. The liquid thermoset polymer is allowed to cure under heat and pressure forming a cured silicone rubber sheet. The cured silicone rubber sheet is removed from the press. A plurality of articles may be laminated by laminating the second of the articles while the first article is cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve T. Deininger
  • Publication number: 20080224363
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank by moulding a parison in which, during the moulding operation, a pipe (3) is attached to the parison at least two points, the said pipe being deformable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: INERGY AUTO SYSTEMS RESEARCH (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Herve Lemoine
  • Publication number: 20080197670
    Abstract: A trim panel includes a body portion and an extension (110). The extension is provided at a periphery of the body portion for securing the trim panel to the vehicle. The extension is formed of a cover stock (104) material and a substrate (102). The body portion and the extension (110) are formed during the same molding operation. According to one exemplary embodiment, the cover stock material (104) is positioned into a mold (200), the mold (200) is reconfigured to bend an edge of the cover stock material (104) inward, and a resin is injected into the mold (200) to form the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Michael J. VonHoltz, Jeffrey A. Cussimanio, Chad M. Baumann
  • Patent number: 7413698
    Abstract: Load-bearing articles are manufactured from shape defining compressible cores and thermoplastic shells. The manufacture of these articles requires specific methods and tools. Articles that can be manufactured using these methods include relatively lightweight pallets with high load-bearing capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Novo Foam Products LLC
    Inventors: Ed Bearse, Thomas Bohan, David Hedley, Alan Lewis
  • Publication number: 20080179772
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a composite chassis piece (16, 28) for a motor vehicle, in particular, for production of a roof module in a tool (10), comprising a first (14) and a second tool part (12) which may be adjusted relative to each other. An outer skin (16) is laid in the first tool part, at least one part (24) of the circumferential region (22) of the side of the outer skin facing the first tool part is tightly inserted in a sealing arrangement (18) provided on the first tool part, plastic material (28) is applied to the side of the outer skin facing away from the first tool part, whereby a shaping of the plastic material is performed by the second tool part and the composite chassis piece is released from the seal arrangement and removed from the tool. The invention further relates to a corresponding tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Matthias Dichtl, Frank Kiesewetter, Norbert Elbs
  • Publication number: 20080111275
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming thermoplastic material using rotary forging. A volume of a thermoplastic material is delivered. The thermoplastic material is transported between a first rotating forging device and a second rotating forging device. The first forging device defines a first forging region in its surface, which receives the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material is at or above a forging temperature and flows into the first void region and shapes a core element from the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material is substantially solidified into the core element. Then, the core element is transferred from the first rotating forging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Mark James Kline, Jeromy Thomas Raycheck, Urmish Popatal Dalal
  • Publication number: 20080070039
    Abstract: An in-mold decorated component and method provides a three-dimensional elevational emblem supported on a substrate base providing a subcomponent, and a formed foundation in-molded to and supporting the subcomponent. The emblem may be partially embedded, providing a soft look and feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Robin J. Reis, Michael J. Ruminski, Jay R. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7318905
    Abstract: A decorative sheet (S) for in-mold decorating injection molding has a base sheet (1A) and a resin layer (2) formed on a surface of the base sheet (1A) to be brought into contact with an injection-molded molding and containing an acrylic-modified polyolefin resin. The acrylic-modified polyolefin resin is a resin composed by grafting-copolymerizing an acrylic monomer and/or an acrylic prepolymer on principal chains of a polypropylene resin. The decorative sheet (S) includes, for example, a base sheet (1A) of an acrylic resin, a decorative layer (3) of a binder resin and at least either an acrylic resin contained in the binder resin or a polyvinyl chloride-acetate resin, and a bonding layer (2) containing an acrylic-modified polyolefin resin. A primer layer (4) may be sandwiched between the bonding layer (2) and the decorative layer (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Iriyama
  • Patent number: 7306756
    Abstract: A method for making an encapsulated stent-graft having an essentially tubular configuration with a central longitudinal lumen and having a first diameter and a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The stent-graft may include a self-expanding stent and a first and second tube of biocompatible material between which the stent is positioned. The stent-graft may also include an interlayer member between the first and second tube. The method generally includes applying pressure and heat to a stent-graft assembly to form a monolithic layer of biocompatible material around the stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Tarun J. Edwin, Brendan McCrea, Christopher E. Banas
  • Publication number: 20070278715
    Abstract: A film coated with a metal foil is embossed beforehand with a shape conformed to a formed article. Injection molding is performed, with the embossed film coated with the metal foil being sandwiched between an injection molding male mold and an injection molding female mold. As a result, the metal foil of the film coated with the metal foil is transferred to a product having a deeply concavo-convex surface, without damage to the metal foil, with the quality of the product being ensured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicants: Koto Engraving Co., Ltd., Tsuchiya Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi IGARASHI, Takumi Kudou, Masaaki Iwakiri, Yasuyuki Ohara, Isamu Sakayori
  • Patent number: 7291301
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an airbag assembly and a trim component for vehicle including the step of providing a first mold structure having a first surface formed therein, a second mold structure having a second surface formed therein and a third mold structure having a third surface formed therein. The first mold structure and the second mold structure are positioned to define a first cavity. A first material is introduced into the first cavity to form a substrate. The substrate and the third mold structure are positioned to define a second cavity. A second material is introduced into the second cavity to form at least one of a portion of an airbag assembly and an outer layer overmolded onto the substrate. Additionally, a scrim material may be disposed within the second cavity to produce a hinge having an embedded layer of scrim material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Robert J. Adams, Michael J. Hier, Todd DePue
  • Patent number: 7291302
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a synthetic resin hollow molded body includes a first injection molding process, a positioning process and a second injection molding process in which each of the contact portions of the first split assembly member, second split assembly member, and the third split assembly member is made to contact the corresponding contact portion and each of the contact portions is joined with the corresponding contact portion by a second injection between the first die and the second die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Boshoku Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Koyama, Tetsuya Kuno
  • Patent number: 7267792
    Abstract: Method for insert molding film covered plastic parts are disclosed that facilitate wrapping of the paint film around edges of the part. A mold cavity (210) is provided wherein the requisite edge extremities (212, 214) of the cavity (210) are provided in an offset or spaced relation to the mold parting line plane (216). Location of the mold extremities at this position helps to secure the paint film in the mold cavity (210) and prevents pinching of the film that would otherwise occur along the mold parting line (216).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Green Tokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7241412
    Abstract: A method for producing a panel comprising at least one region (16) of compression moulded thermoplastic or thermosetting material and at least one region (14) of injection moulded thermoplastic material, comprising the step of placing at least one plate of thermoplastic or thermosetting material in a plastic state between two half-moulds (26, 28) having respective moulding surfaces (30, 32), closing the half-moulds (26, 28) and compressing the plate (16) between two mutually facing compression moulding regions (30a, 32a) of said moulding surfaces (30, 32). The method comprises the step of injecting thermoplastic material into a space defined between two mutually facing injection moulding regions (30b, 32b) of said moulding surfaces (30, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: CRS SRL Centro Richerche E Sperimentazioni
    Inventor: Franco Cesano
  • Patent number: 7214337
    Abstract: A method of constructing a skate frame for an in-line skate is provided. The method includes forming a first skin on a mold and positioning core material on the first skin so that the core material does not contact the portions of the frame that receive load from the shoe portion. The method further includes forming a second skin over the first skin such that the core material is positioned and sealed between the first and second skins. The method further includes curing the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: Dodd H. Grande
  • Patent number: 7153461
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing adhesive tape that pattern and mark are easily formed thereon which includes the steps of placing a felted surface of a felt portion on the bearing portion of a lower mold, alter closing the upper mold, injecting a plastic material via high pressure to merge to the back side of the felted surface, thereby the plastic board can be integrally combined wit the back side of the felted surface to obtain the best combined strength. The plastic board can be formed with specific patterns or marks as desired, such that the adhesive tape can have a hard strip to make it easier for the user to detach, even if the user is wearing heavy gloves. In addition, a logo or mark can be formed on the adhesive tape to enhance the aesthetic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Universal Trim Supply Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7105121
    Abstract: Fuel system components for vehicles may be made from polyethylene components which are typically blow molded. To inhibit fuel vapour permeation, the polyethylene is often co-extruded into a parison with the parison comprising a barrier layer. Upon trimming flash or in the mold closure itself, the barrier layer may be ruptured. Sealing of areas of discontinuity in the fuel system component to inhibit hydrocarbon vapour pass through is achieved by sealing the area of barrier discontinuity with a sealing bead which has the necessary barrier properties. The barrier properties may be inherent in the sealing bead material or in a barrier layer extruded into the sealing bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Salflex Polymers Ltd.
    Inventor: Changize Sadr
  • Patent number: 7060147
    Abstract: A system is provided for application of a layer permanently adhering to the inside of a breast prosthesis formed as a shell-shaped body made from a soft-elastic material, in which a two-component silicone rubber forming the adhesive layer is injected into a mold prior to curing of the body and then cured together with the body. Alternatively, the two-component silicone rubber forming the adhesive layer is first cured in a shell, with the shell then being applied to the body in a mold and then cured again with the body. In a third alternative, the adhesive layer is cured while being joined to a carrier film, with the carrier film then being adhered to the prosthesis sheath which is then filled with addition-vulcanizing two-component silicone rubber and cured in a mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Amoena Medizin-Orthopadie-Technik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Paul Reitmaier, Ulrike Esterer, Nils Stelter, Georg Stuffer, Hans Stuffer
  • Patent number: 7060217
    Abstract: A shaped composite article is prepared by a process wherein an aesthetic laminate having a clear outer arylate layer and a colored compatible resin layer is thermoformed into a desired shape, and then compression molded together with a reinforced resin material containing compatible resin to form a color composite of the desired shape having an outer layer of clear arylate polyester polymer with the compatible resin layer forming an adherent bond with the compatible resin in the resin reinforced material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Paul Dunton, Craig Lawrence Milne, Randall Todd Myers, Venkatkrishna Raghavendran
  • Patent number: 7024769
    Abstract: A process and a device produces an assembly linkage on a hollow profile which is shaped for the installation of the assembly part by internal high-pressure remodeling. In order to achieve the shaping of an assembly linkage in a component space-saving, for a subsequent assembly correctly positioned, and with regard to its contour exactly fitted to the assembly part, in simple manner and even with high degrees of remodeling in a secure process, the hollow profile, under internal pressure, which is smaller than the remodeling pressure, is indented at the place of the to-be-produced assembly linkage by a die and by forming a rough contour. Afterward, while the die remains in this indenting position, a fluid high pressure is created in the hollow profile. Thereby, the hollow profile sides surrounding the die are molded to the external contour of the die, and that after releasing the fluid high pressure and the subsequent removal of the die, the finished trough-shaped assembly linkage is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Pierre Bonny, Thomas Huelsberg
  • Patent number: 7022275
    Abstract: Saddle made of composite material, in particular for a bicycle, comprising a support structure provided with a padding having a seating surface. The support structure comprises a plurality of first layers of high-rigidity composite material having an opening formed centrally therein and a second layer of composite material with a rigidity less than that of the first layers, fixed to the latter along a superimposed surface covering the opening so as to form an elastically yielding zone which is preferably located in the prostatic and ischiatic zones of the seat of the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Selle Royal S.P.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Bigolin
  • Patent number: 7018579
    Abstract: A manufacturing system and method for use in the production of high strength plastic materials which can be used in the construction arts. The system and method includes a central rotary mold element which has vacuum means and cooling means placed inside thereof. Heating elements are positioned exteriorly of the rotary mold. Treated long fiber sheets are introduced to the rotary mold and combined with plastic sheets which are also fed to the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Richard R. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7014806
    Abstract: A closed ring fiber reinforced frame structure is produced by first preparing a prepreg. A section of the prepreg is formed into a flange preferably after impregnation by folding the flange section along a folding line. The folding line is formed by securing a deformable or drapable fiber ribbon material, for example by sewing or stitching to a carrier substrate which is preferably also a fiber material. The sewing seam or stitching line becomes the folding line. The ribbon material is so secured to the carrier substrate that the fiber orientation of the ribbon material is uniformly distributed all around a ring component that is formed of the ribbon material on the substrate. The impregnated ring component with its substrate is then cured after the folding of the flange to complete the ring frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignees: Airbus Deutschland GmbH, Institut fuer Verbundwerkstoffe GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Edelmann, Christian Weimer
  • Patent number: 7011777
    Abstract: A mold tool includes upper and lower sections defining a cavity within which a plastic film preform is placed before injection of plastic forming a molded article. The plastic film extends between an interface defined between the sections of the mold. The interface secures a position of the plastic film within the mold tool preventing movement during injection of plastic. The interface is specifically configured to secure the plastic film without damage. The specific configuration of the interface is determined according to a relationship between molding process parameters and physical characteristics of the plastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Build a Mold Limited
    Inventor: Horst Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7001563
    Abstract: The method of making a tubular member having a continuous and uninterrupted cured elastomeric resin coating on an outer surface of the member includes forming a continuous uninterrupted tubular layer of uncured elastomeric resin and drawing the resin layer against the surface of the tubular member to be coated by applying suction between the resin layer and the surface of the tubular member so that the resin adheres to the surface of the tubular member. The elastomeric resin may then be cured to produce the final product. Apparatus for carrying out the process includes, in sequence, a coating zone including a sub-atmospheric chamber, a heating zone and a feed mechanism for advancing the tubular member relative to the coating and heating zones. A method includes molding a distal end cap on an open end of a length of a preformed tubular sleeve member that may be used for prosthetic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: OSSUR hf
    Inventors: Hilmar Janusson, Freygarour Thorsteinsson, Sigurour A. Asgeirsson, Palmi Einarsson
  • Patent number: 6998085
    Abstract: A process for the production by a moulding process of a micro-cellular or non-cellular elastomeric polyurethane skin layer or, more generally, to a process for the production of a composite comprising a first layer shaped part, which is made by a moulding process from a polyurethane reaction mixture, and a second layer shaped part which is adhered to the first part to form the composite. In order to avoid the use of release agents on the back side of the first layer shaped part, and thus the negative effect on the adhesion of the second layer shaped part, and the penetration of reaction mixture on this back side between the slides (9–10) of the mould, the mould surface (4) is covered on the back side of the moulding with a removable flexible covering (12), with a removable rigid pre-shaped covering or with a permanent non-stick coating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Recticel
    Inventors: Hugo De Winter, Yvan Vanluchene Yvan
  • Patent number: 6994812
    Abstract: A mold tool (16) for forming a trim covered foam substrate of a seat assembly comprises an upper mold cast (18) defining an upper mold surface (19) and a lower mold cast (20) defining a lower mold surface (2). A split line (28) is defined adjacent to the upper and lower mold surfaces between the upper mold cast and the lower mold cast when the mold casts are in facing mating engagement forming a mold cavity (22) therebetween. A plurality of heat lines (24) extend through the upper (18) and lower (19) mold casts adjacent the respective upper and lower mold surfaces for heating the mold cavity (22). A cooling line (30) extends through at least one of the upper and lower mold casts adjacent the split line (28) for cooling the split line of the mold tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Larry F. DeMoe, Kurt Fleuchaus, Jens Kresin
  • Patent number: 6986858
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a super-thin advertising and decorative zipper tab, comprising the following steps: 1) casting the first mold with one end of a soft string disposed therein; 2) providing a sprue on the first mold at a position under the soft string before closing the first mold and injecting plastic to conjunct the soft string within the first molding blank; and 3) placing the molding blank into a second mold such that a sprue is provided at a position above the soft string before closing the second mold and injecting plastic to conjunct half of the second molding blank with the soft string, in order to manufacture a super-thin advertising and decorative tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Shih-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 6976835
    Abstract: A manufacturing system and method for use in the production of high strength plastic materials which can be used in the construction arts. The system and method includes a central rotary mold element which has vacuum means and cooling means placed inside thereof. Heating elements are positioned exteriorly of the rotary mold. Treated long fiber sheets are introduced to the rotary mold and combined with plastic sheets which are also fed to the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Tucker
  • Patent number: 6969481
    Abstract: A method is described for producing a pipe end socket (3) made of thermoplastic material with a sealing ring (5) which engages in a form-fitting manner on the inside of the socket in a circumferential bead (4) and which comprises a sealing part (6) and a supporting part (7), with the sealing ring (5) being introduced into a preformed bead region and is then tightly held in a form-fitting manner in the circumferential bead (4) by a final forming of the preformed bead region. In order to provide advantageous process conditions it is proposed that the pipe end socket (3) with the circumferential bead (4) is preformed at a deformation temperature corresponding at least to the softening temperature with an overdimension which allows an insertion of the sealing ring (5), and after the cooling below the softening temperature and after inserting the sealing ring (5) said pipe end socket with the circumferential bead is pressed into the final shape by taking into account a cooling-induced shrinkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Helmuth Schnallinger
  • Patent number: 6887407
    Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer molded article having good feeling of touch without giving damages on a skin material at the vicinity of gate portions by fushion-bonding integrally a skin material to a core material using a horizontal mold clamping type injection molding machine which comprises steps of closing a movable mold so that a mold interval between the movable mold and a fixed mold is set to a predetermined distance after the skin material is set up in the cavity of a mold, starting injection and filling-up of a resin melt for a core material into the cavity of mold, retracting the movable mold with progress of injection and filling-up until the mold interval becomes a predetermined distance after lapse of a predetermined time from the start of injection, and clamping the mold again after the completion of the injecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Ube Machinery Corporation, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akio Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6887413
    Abstract: A covering or trim part includes an injection molding compound and a decor part durably connected with the molding compound. The decor part may contain a real-wood veneer as well as a metal part. The covering a trim part is made by combining an injection molding operation with a cutting operation of the decor part in the injection. A multi-part injection mold permits more complicated molding and undercutting and/or the forming of variable wall thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Rolf Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6884379
    Abstract: The process includes placing in a mold a pile of plies taken from a web of fibers embedded in a thermosetting or thermoplastic material, the plies being arranged according to preferred directions of the fibers, and subjecting the mold to particular pressure and temperature conditions. The process also includes carrying out successive operations of shaping the pile of plies in the mold, at low pressure, carried out progressively at low speed; removing the material in excess protruding out of edge of the mold; carrying out the tightness of the mold from outside; increasing the pressure up to high pressure; raising the temperature of the mold; and quickly cooling the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Vincent Duqueine
  • Patent number: 6878322
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing rubber plate having colored patterns thereon includes step 1: to prepare a heat transfer decal having a colored pattern thereon, the color pattern including a plurality of slits located at corners of the colored pattern; step 2: to prepare a male mold and a rubber plate put on the male mold, the decal put on the rubber plate; step 3: to prepare a female mold having a recess defined therein, and step 4: to press the decal on the rubber plate between the male mold and the female mold at a high temperature. The pattern on the decal is printed on the rubber plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Kuo-Chin Yang
  • Patent number: 6872346
    Abstract: A problem in the manufacture of filters using tubular membrane bundles is keeping potting material from flowing into the openings at the ends of the tubes. A preferred embodiment of a method for manufacturing a tubular membrane filter employs a non-contact heat source such as radiant heating to melt the tips of the tubular membranes. This prevents the migration of potting material into the tubes when the potting material is flowed into the ends of tube bundles during the manufacturing process for a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Stillig
  • Patent number: 6863854
    Abstract: A multi-layer printable thermoplastic film consisting of at least a fluoride polymer film having laminated thereto a polycarbonate film. The printable film is preformed (vacuum molding or thermoforming) and then inserted into a mold which has the configuration of the preformed printable film. A base layer of a thermoplastic such as a polycarbonate resin is injection molded to the exposed surface of the preformed printable film. The molded structure has exterior automotive applications such as lens, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric
    Inventor: Kenneth Lee Lilly
  • Patent number: 6858276
    Abstract: The invention concerns the production of articles comprising at least a rigid element (1) and at least an element (2) made of a thermoplastic material obtained by moulding. The rigid element (1) has a profiled transverse section defining a concave space, wherein is positioned at least partly an element made of thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Rhodia Engineering Plastics S.A.
    Inventors: Didier Chomier, Marcel On De Laak, Gerhard Potsch
  • Patent number: 6855283
    Abstract: A cured resin and fiber part generally can be manufactured by providing a mold that defines a cavity having at least one shape-defining surface. An in-mold paint sheet having a bonding side and a finish side can be positioned in the cavity of the mold such that the finish side of the in-mold paint sheet is positioned adjacent to the shape-defining surface of the mold. A mixture of a thermoset resin and a plurality of reinforcing fibers are then introduced into the cavity of the mold such that the resin and fiber mixture contacts the bonding side of the in-mold paint sheet. The in-mold paint sheet and resin and fiber mixture are then compressed in the mold while being heated causing the resin and fiber mixture to be cured and bonded to the in-mold paint sheet resulting in a part having the finish side of the in-mold paint sheet as a finished surface of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Patent Holdings Company
    Inventor: Lloyd R. Hilligoss
  • Patent number: 6852269
    Abstract: A process for forming a cushion layer of a preselected thickness on an inside of a prosthetic liner body is provided and includes the steps of introducing the liner body into a mold cavity; disposing a sufficient amount of cushioning material into the inside of the liner and directing a mandrel into the inside of the liner body. The driving action of the mandrel causes the cushioning material to be dispersed between the mandrel and the liner body, thereby forming the cushioning layer of preselected thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Silipos, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Eberle, Ryan Carlson, Robert E. Orzukak
  • Patent number: 6852268
    Abstract: A film is placed over a mold cavity and molten plastic deposited thereon to form a combination of a film with molten plastic thereon. The film-molten plastic combination is then formed in said mold cavity into a molded article in the shape of the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Rush Holt, Arthur K. Delusky, Thomas M. Ellison, Herbert Rees, Emery I. Valyi
  • Patent number: 6849225
    Abstract: The present invention is a mould and a method of moulding a plastic component using the mould that enable the manufacturer of a moulded component (45) which has an external covering. The method of moulding comprises either locating a pre-formed component (41) into a first part of the mould or vacuum forming a thin film (40) into a mould cavity. A first mould part (15) has a mould cavity into which the pre-formed component (41) is placed or the thin film (40) is vacuumed formed into. The method continues by partly closing a second part of the mould (25) into the first part of the mould (15) and injecting molten plastic (34) onto the surface of the pre-formed component (41) or thin film (40). The second mould part (25) is then fully closed to force the molten plastic (34) to fill the resultant mould cavity (36). This bonds the molten plastic to either the pre-formed component (41) or the thin film (40) to form the final shape of the moulded component (45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Robert William Gilbert, Duncan William Nash
  • Patent number: 6849227
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a furniture component includes steps of molding a panel component of a flexible compliant plastic, the panel component having a continuous perimeter flange and further having flexible strips extending between portions of the perimeter flange that are shaped to flex to comfortably support a human body part. The method further includes molding a tubular perimeter frame of a reinforced structural plastic different than the flexible compliant plastic onto the panel component, the step of molding the perimeter frame including integrally bonded the perimeter frame to the perimeter flange to stiffen the perimeter flange and support the panel component and further including a gas assist process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Nancy A. Funk, Robert J. Battey, James J. Betcher, Kurt R. Heidmann, Michael J. Kemen
  • Patent number: 6841105
    Abstract: A method of forming thermoplastic panels is disclosed which includes the steps of forming the thermoplastic panels by extrusion or a similar process and simultaneously or subsequently texturing or graining at least one face thereof, and utilizing such pre-textured or pre-grained panels to form a finished panel or article by disposing such panel in a thermoforming mold having at least one grained or textured mold surface against which the pre-textured or pre-grained surface of the panel is disposed and thermoforming such panel. The process provides a textured or grained surface having greatly improved uniformity and enhanced appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Durakon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Nehring, John C. Montagna
  • Patent number: 6838041
    Abstract: This invention relates to the post-formation processing of extruded or injection molded profiles in an economic manner without the need to purchase a blow molding machine, yet still effect post-formation radial expansion or contraction by the application of sufficient degree of heat or the performing of the operation sufficiently quickly to permit the utilization of the retained latent heat from the extrusion or injection molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: William W. Rowley
  • Patent number: 6835340
    Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer molded article in which an skin material having nap on the outer surface thereof is integrally molded with a substrate of a synthetic resin, using a mold comprising a pair of male and female mold halves. In this method, after the fabric skin material and the molten resin are clamped in the mold and primary cooling is carried out, the mold is opened halfway to form a predetermined gap between the mold halves, and the molten synthetic resin undergoes secondary cooling and hardens while the mold is held in the half-open state. In the present invention, the time period for the operation to open the mold halfway is set at one second or less. By limiting the half-opening operation time period to the short period of one second or less, recovery of the nap is reliably achieved without the nap tending to stay flattened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Kitayama, Atsushi Saitoh