Preform Particularly Provided With Means To Provide Interlock With Shaped Material Patents (Class 264/274)
  • Patent number: 6368538
    Abstract: A improved method of manufacturing plastic containers with molded-in metal inserts is employed to secure metal inserts to an interior of a rotary mold so that the inserts are automatically released from the mold when the article is removed from the mold. The method includes providing a mold having a magnet on the interior surface thereof, placing a metal insert in contact with the magnet, charging the mold with a quantity of a resin, biaxially rotating and heating the mold to melt and distribute the resin, cooling the rotating mold and removing a finished container with a molded-in metal insert. The mold rotates biaxially, about a first axis and a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. Preferably, the mold is constructed with magnets projecting from the outside through to the inner surface. The magnets present a concave curvate inner facing surface which mates with a convex curvate outer surface of a metal insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Gary L. Kitterman
  • Patent number: 6365084
    Abstract: A composite molded product has a main body molded of a base material of a thermoplastic resin and defining at least one through opening. A porous skin material is integrated with the main body by thermal fusing. At least one rib is formed on the surface of the skin material at a position corresponding to the position of at least one through opening. At least one rib is integrated with the main body through porous structure of the skin material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Yamakawa Industrial Co.
    Inventor: Yasuhide Terajima
  • Patent number: 6344161
    Abstract: Segmentation of a flexible, elongated, strip-shaped substrate having a plurality of encapsulated semiconductor devices mounted thereon, for device singulation, is facilitated by pre-cutting pairs of slots through the substrate at each device mounting area, which slots minimize the amount of substrate material required to be removed during device singulation. Disadvantageous penetration of the slots by liquid encapsulant material is substantially prevented, or at least minimized, by forming slots having burrs or flaps at the upper, mounting surface of the substrate which seal off, or substantially reduce the width of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: L. K. Suresh, Kanchit Suphanpeasat, Sally Y Foong
  • Patent number: 6343418
    Abstract: A spinning reel face gear is manufactured by a method of molding tooth-ring bearing, obverse-facing gear teeth onto a separately formed gear disk after the gear disk is made. The gear disk is specially configured with circumferentially spaced peripheral indentations to retain the tooth ring strongly against torque when the face gear meshes with a pinion gear in operation in a spinning reel. Manufacturing the face gear in two separate stages adds a degree of freedom in material selection, allowing a lightweight material to be employed for the gear disk, and a high-strength material for forming precision gear teeth to be employed for the tooth ring. The two-stage manufacturing method also enables the tooth ring to be formed onto the gear disk in a mold that does not leave a parting line on the obverse, teeth-bearing face of the tooth-ring when the mold plates are parted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Hitomi
  • Patent number: 6312636
    Abstract: A method of joining a connector 12 to an electromagnetic actuator 10 is provided. The actuator 10 has a metal housing structure 14, 18 and electrical leads 24, 26 extending from the housing structure. The method includes providing at least one channel 30 in the housing structure and a port 36 communicating with the at least one channel 30 and with a mounting surface 28 of the housing structure. The plastic connector 12 is molded on the mounting surface 28 and plastic material in fluid form is permitted to flow through the port 36 and into the at least one channel 30 to fill the channel and the port. The plastic material is permitted to cool and harden to define the connector 12 with the connector being interlocked with respect to the housing structure via the plastic material in the at least one channel 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. McFarland, Dennis Bulgatz
  • Patent number: 6308395
    Abstract: A flexible motion transmitting core element (12) is attached a rod (14) and a conduit (16) movably supports the core element (12) and has an end portion to which is attached an end fitting (18). An insert (20) has a neck portion (22) embedded in the end fitting (18) and a spherical portion (24) presenting a ball-shaped pocket and extending from said neck portion (22) through a maximum inner diameter D. A swivel tube (26) has a bore therethrough for movably supporting the rod (14) and has a convex spherical surface (28) slidably supported in the ball-shaped pocket for swiveling movement relative to the end fitting (18). The end fitting (18) embeds only a portion of the spherical portion (24) of the insert (20) for allowing the open end (30) to move radially to snap the convex spherical surface (28) of the swivel tube (26) into the ball-shaped pocket of the insert (20). The insert (20) includes an anchor flange (32) for anchoring the insert (20) in the end fitting (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant A. Webb
  • Publication number: 20010033042
    Abstract: A method for assembling interior vehicle trim parts including panels and components in which two trim parts are disposed adjacent one another and in which a bead of buffer material is disposed between mating surfaces of the two trim parts. The bead is included to reduce noises such as buzzes, squeaks and rattles produced by contact and relative motion between the first and second trim parts at their mating surfaces. The bead is mechanically locked into a recess in one of the mating surfaces. The bead is mechanically locked to a mating surface by forming a recess in the mating surface then applying buffer material in the recess. The buffer material is applied in such a way as to form a bead of buffer material on the mating surface. The bead is allowed to mechanically connect to the first trim part as a result of the hardening of the buffer material within the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: JOSH KELMAN, BRIAN POUR, ED SHORTRIDGE
  • Patent number: 6306330
    Abstract: A simulated promotional pocket for a closure and method for manufacture thereof has a cup-shaped simulated promotional pocket molded within the closure to at least partially encapsulate anchor tabs extending from a liner pre-molded to an inside of the top wall of the closure. The anchor tabs are arranged in a target formation of concentric spaced-apart circles and are bent over outwardly during pressure molding of the cup-shaped promotional pocket to provide resistance to separation of the promotional pocket and the liner. The simulated promotional pocket having an open end is configured to be identical in appearance to an actual promotional compartment which holds a promotional item of value thereon, when viewed from outside a container closed by the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Alena Closure Systems International
    Inventor: David L. Cerny
  • Patent number: 6306329
    Abstract: A method of molding a clamping garment clip for use on a hanger comprising the steps of molding a pair of support clamp arms with a first plastic material, molding a pair of support pads to said pair of support clamp arms with a second plastic material and forming mechanical interlocks between said support arms and said support pads exclusively by molded mechanical connections between said first and second plastic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Randy Hangers
    Inventor: Jonathan Willinger
  • Patent number: 6303066
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding opening devices onto a packaging material sheet at respective holes provided in the sheet. The apparatus includes first and second mold tools arrangeable in a closed position so as to be in contact with opposite sides of the sheet and in an open position so as to be positioned distally from the sheet. In the closed positions a mold cavity is formed between the first and second mold tools for accommodating a hole edge in the sheet. The apparatus further includes an injection passage for injecting heated thermoplastics material into the mold cavity, which injection passage extends in one of the mold tools such that the thermoplastics material is injected directly into the mold cavity at an injection point of the mold cavity which is located distally from the hole edge, for providing effective formation of the opening device on the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Per Gustafsson, Antonio Rendina
  • Publication number: 20010028130
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insert molding having a conductor member in which a part thereof is coated with resin is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of securely supporting a part of the conductor member by a fixation member provided in a holding member, grasping the holding member supporting the conductor member by a mold so as to accommodate a portion of the conductor member where is other than a portion to be utilized as a contact point, injecting the resin into inside of the mold, and coating the conductor member accommodated in the mold integrally with the holding member by the resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: SAKAI YAGI
  • Publication number: 20010019616
    Abstract: A method of making an acoustic device in the form of a loudspeaker drive unit having a resonant panel-form member adapted to provide an acoustic output when excited with bending wave energy, comprising forming a resilient suspension for the panel-form member by moulding and simultaneously fixing the resilient suspension to the panel-form member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Henry Azima, Graham Bank, Kieron Dunk, Julian Fordham, Neil Simon Owen
  • Patent number: 6283194
    Abstract: A process for producing structural elements, preferably prototypes, in which a “lost” model, i.e., positive model, of the structural element is produced in a first step and the model is subsequently cast with a molding compound to produce a negative mold. The mold is then used for manufacturing the structural element, preferably a prototype, by casting. The model is cast and/or filled with the molding compound in a plurality of successive steps and the position of the model relative to a reference plane is changed in each of the individual steps of casting or filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Grunewald GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jörg Stefan Detering, Christian Grunewald
  • Patent number: 6284181
    Abstract: An over-molded product, such as a container, and a method of manufacture. The product is primarily used for enclosing hazardous materials and is formed by utilizing a thermosetting plastic material in a reaction injection molding process at low temperature and pressure to envelop adjacent portions of two or more components to form the desired product. This provides a mechanical interface but avoids a chemical reaction which would degrade the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Ivan Gaster
  • Patent number: 6280675
    Abstract: A method of grouting which permits the joining together of two parts by means of a binder and, more particularly, the sealing of one part in another, in particular the sealing of a prosthesis in a bone cavity. The method includes producing in the part to be sealed a channel which passes through the part along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the introduction of the part to be sealed into the recess formed in the part intended to receive it, and injecting the binder into the channel until the binder fills the space between the part and the wall of the recess. Centering elements can be placed around the part in the space present between the part and the wall of the recess, and a packing part can be positioned, around the part to be sealed, on the opening of the recess. The injection channel made in the part which is to be sealed can be provided with a thread which makes it possible to introduce a threaded rod into it for the extraction of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Proseal
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Legrand
  • Patent number: 6274074
    Abstract: This invention discloses a process for producing a low-noise gear. It consists in producing this gear by the technique of co-injection of a hard matter which will form the outer toothing and the axial portion for engagement on the shaft associated therewith, and of a damping matter which will form the heart of the thermoplastics gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Société Mécanique et de Plastiques Industriels
    Inventor: Jean Monié
  • Patent number: 6269537
    Abstract: A PCB package for shielding electromagnetic radiation from exiting or entering the package. In one embodiment the package includes first and second electrically conductive covers and first and second electrically conductive frames. The first frame electrically connected to the first cover and the second frame electrically connected to the second cover. The first frame is then electrically connected to the second frame. The first and second frames can be made of electrically conductive plastics or metals or any other electrically conductive materials. Methods of assembling the packages of the various embodiments are also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Kimura, James Farquhar, Jeffrey Allen, Michael Chao, Stephen Hatch, Scott Herbert, Brandt Weibezhan, Iggoni Fajardo
  • Patent number: 6268037
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a shielded automobile component and the shielded automobile component itself. The component includes a composite formed of a metal sheet which includes protrusions which extend from a surface of the metal sheet and a blow-molded thermoplastic layer formed around the protrusions which fixes the blow-molded layer to the metal sheet during the molding process. The protrusions on the metal sheet define plain polygonal areas which are free of protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Acoust-A-Fiber Research and Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Butler, Hiten T. Shah
  • Publication number: 20010009635
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a paving stone. The invention also relates to a paving stone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventor: Stefan Aurelius
  • Patent number: 6260326
    Abstract: A floor tile or wall tile in the form of a panel has a frame and a filling. The frame and the filling are nondetachably connected in a utility state to form an integral part. The connection between frame and filling interlocks tongue and groovc-like. The frame extends beyond the filling in the plane of the tile at least the thickness of the frame. The filling is of the same thickness as the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Johannes Mùller-Hartburg
  • Patent number: 6254820
    Abstract: A blank (2) is molded for the manufacture of a multi-layer preform (1). The blank possesses protrusions (5). After the protrusions (5) have been brought to a plasticized state under the action of heat, those surfaces that contain protrusions (5) are covered by a layer of plasticized material. The blank (2) becomes connected to the layer (6) in the area of the protrusions (5). After cooling of the preform created from the blank (2) and the layer (6), the blank (2) will be connected with the layer (6) by means of microweld positions (7) in the area of the said protrusions (5). With that, delamination of the preform (1) during further processing or use will be effectively prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen W. Cornell
  • Patent number: 6241619
    Abstract: A shaft including a rotatable, torque transmitting elongated member is provided. A portion of the shaft is hollow and has an inside surface defining a shaft core. The elongated member has an outside surface including a torque transmitting portion and a functional feature portion. The elongated member has a one piece construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Russell
  • Patent number: 6238610
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a tank or a heat exchanger. The apparatus includes molds which form the tank such that it has an open end, an annular skirt about the entire periphery of the open end, and an annular groove in the annular skirt. A space in the molds receives the skirt, and a projection on one of the molds urges the outer and inner side surfaces of the skirt toward each other after a resin has been injected into the annular groove. A guide surface extends from the bottom of the projection to a position substantially even with a bottom surface of the annular groove to govern the amount of deformation of the side surface which is urged by the projection. A bubble removal element, such as a protuberance or groove, is formed in the annular groove at a position where opposite ends of the resin impinge on each other when injected from an injection gate, to prevent bubbles from forming in the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Hisarou Yamazaki, Seiichi Kusama
  • Patent number: 6228306
    Abstract: A driving tool, such as a screwdriver, has a handle with an injection-molded, relatively hard and rigid inner body, molded around a tool shank, the inner body having an elongated central portion with two end flanges extending laterally outwardly of the central portion around the entire periphery thereof, with the central portion having a peripheral groove formed therein adjacent to an end flange. An outer gripping body of a relatively soft and resilient material is injection molded around the inner body, surrounding said central portion of said inner body and filling said groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Hoepfl, Christopher D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6224801
    Abstract: A method of making a speaker comprises providing a pair of dies which define between them a cavity. A first portion of the cavity receives a diaphragm of the speaker. A second portion of the cavity adjacent an outer perimeter of the diaphragm receives a fluid thermoplastic elastomer for forming a diaphragm surround. The second portion includes a perimetrally inner first region adjacent the outer perimeter of the diaphragm for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a perimetrally inner flange for bonding to the diaphragm adjacent the outer perimeter of the diaphragm. The second portion includes a central second region for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a connecting arch of the surround. The second portion also includes a perimetrally outer third region for receiving the thermoplastic elastomer to form a perimetrally outer flange for attachment to a diaphragm support. A diaphragm is placed between the dies. The dies are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Harman International Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Louis A. Mango, III
  • Patent number: 6217808
    Abstract: A plastics material valve for a device for packaging and dispensing a substance. The valve comprises an actuator rod and a valve body, the actuator rod having a passage for passing the substance to be dispensed, the valve comprising closure means suitable for being held in the receptacle by the valve body and suitable for closing said passage, the actuator rod being capable of being displaced in the valve body between a first position in which said closure means close said passage and a second position in which said passage is released to enable the substance to be dispensed, the valve further comprising resilient return means for returning the actuator rod to said first position, the resilient return means comprising at least one bridge of material inter-connecting the actuator rod and the valve body and suitable for deforming elastically and for urging the actuator rod into said first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Franck Lacout
  • Patent number: 6207094
    Abstract: A method for forming a concrete masonry block having external plates. The external plates with anchors are indexed on pallets that are fed into concrete casting machines by proper location of the plates. Concrete mixture is deposited inside of a mold and compressed into the mold with anchors being located in the concrete material and having at least one external plate. Thereafter, the concrete masonry block with the external plate is removed from the mold and cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: CCC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ray Farmer, Sr., James W. Pilcher
  • Patent number: 6203737
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body formed entirely of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material with a gear insert molded therein and a ratchet mechanism mounted on the insert and retained in place by retaining rings. The body includes layers of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material which are subjected to compression molding around the insert to form a composite wrench structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Zurbuchen
  • Patent number: 6200513
    Abstract: A method for producing a pulley assembly intended primarily for use with the endless drive belt of a vehicle accessories drive system is provided. The method involves placing a circular metal insert having an axis and an outer substantially flat circumferential surface extending radially from the axis on a locating means, located inside a mold cavity and positioned around the outside circumference of the metal insert, for positioning the metal insert inside the mold cavity before molding and for maintaining the roundness of the metal insert during molding, and molding a plastic annular body about the metal insert. A pulley assembly produced by this method is also provided. The method of producing the pulley assembly may include modifying the outer flat circumferential surface of the metal insert prior to molding the plastic annular body about the metal insert, for clamping, structurally bonding, and resisting relative rotation between the plastic body and the metal insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin J. Emmett
  • Patent number: 6193924
    Abstract: A method of making a container assembly comprises the step of molding a container body over a portion of a plastic fixture. A plastic fixture is disposed in the mold. The mold has an inner surface defining an outer surface of a container. The fixture includes an opening and a portion having at least one ridge on a surface which is to be embedded in the body of the container. The fluid plastic material is disposed in the mold. The plastic material is then molded over the mold inner surface and the fixture surface thereby forming the container body. The plastic material contacts the ridge and melts or softens the ridge. The ridge is then deformed forming a locking engagement between the container body and the fixture. As the plastic material cools and hardens, the plastic container body partially engulfs the fixture to provide a secure seal between the fixture and container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Moeller Marine Products
    Inventor: O. C. Huse
  • Patent number: 6180046
    Abstract: A wire reinforced cast member is produced by providing inner and outer mold forms. At least one mounting projection of a wire reinforcement support member is supported in at least one opening in one of the inner and outer mold forms. A plurality of support members cooperate to support and substantially accurately position a wire reinforcement member, which member is mounted into support slots in the support member, which slots may snap-fittingly receive the wire reinforcement. The support members maintain the wire reinforcements in proper position during the introduction of the cast material. After the cast material has set, the cast member is removed from the mold. The support members have mounting portions which easily break away from the main body of the support members as the wire reinforced cast member is removed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Atlantic Precast Concrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Ditcher, Robert M. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6174482
    Abstract: The method of the present invention is performed by providing a glass sheet having first and second opposite surfaces merging with each other along a peripheral ground angled surface setting-off with the glass sheet first surface an included angle substantially greater than normal. The glass sheet is placed in a mold having opposing cavity portions which collectively define a cavity including a peripheral edge cavity portion defined in part by a cavity defining surface which lies in the plane of the glass sheet first surface when the mold is closed. The mold is then closed such that the cavity defining surface and the glass sheet round angled surface set-off and angled complementary to the included angle and with the glass sheet per surface abutting the cavity defining surface inboard of the glass sheet ground angled surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Reames, Bob Herrmann, Howard Daley
  • Patent number: 6139975
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a sheet member comprising: obtaining a sintered compact by sintering a sheet-like compact having a reduced-thickness portion and an enlarged-thickness portion; and then repressing the sintered compact into a sheet member, a difference in density between the reduced-thickness portion and the enlarged-thickness portion of the sintered compact after repressing is adjusted to be in a range of .+-.1.5%. By doing so, the accuracy of flatness is enhanced and the amount of distortion, which would otherwise remain in the sheet member, is reduced because the sheet member is formed by sintering the sheet-like compact. In addition, the deformation caused by heating is greatly restricted. Accordingly, the prospect of the sheet member of the present invention is bright as a heat dissipating plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi Powered Metals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Mawatari, Junichi Ichikawa, Zenzo Ishijima, Hideo Shikata
  • 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: 6119425
    Abstract: There are provided structure members by which ordinary workers other than technical workers can easily joint beams and beams, beams and pillars respectively made of concrete and also can construct buildings which can be extended. There are also provided methods of jointing the structure members. The structure member comprises a hollow tube made of concrete or a material similar thereto. Two or more structure members arch having irregular portions on an inner surface thereof are butt-joined with each other, then a filler is introduced into the hollow portion of each structure member to be solidified so as to joint the structure members. Reinforcing members etc. are put into the hollow portions of the structure members, or steel frames and bag bodies, etc. are fixed by a jointing frame and a filler is introduced therein. It is also possible to joint two or more structure members by way of a jointing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Takeshige Shimonohara
  • Patent number: 6103166
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making golf balls having adhesion between adjacent layers. In particular, the golf balls of the present invention comprise a cover, a core and optionally one or more intermediate layers disposed between the cover and the core, wherein the outer surface of the core an intermediate layer(s) or both the core and the intermediate layer has a finely textured surface profile integrally molded in the outer surface thereof. The finely textured surface profile comprises a plurality of peaks having a plurality of heights with a maximum of said heights being between the range of about 2 mils to about 15 mils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Herbert C. Boehm, William E. Morgan, Jeffrey L. Dalton, Dean A. Snell, Christopher Cavallaro
  • Patent number: 6103165
    Abstract: To provide a molding apparatus and a molding process which enable a primary product molded in a primary mold to be held in a secondary mold stably, so that the primary product may not be displaced by a synthetic resin material injected into the secondary mold. If a synthetic resin material is injected into a primary mold cavity 173 in a primary mold 85 into which molding protrusions 187 project, there is molded a primary product 340 having engaging holes 191 formed on its surface. Protrusions 227 projecting into a secondary mold cavity 225 in a secondary mold 87 are engaged in the engaging holes 191 of the primary product 340 to secure it in the secondary mold cavity 225, and a synthetic resin material is injected into the secondary mold cavity 225 to mold a secondary product 361 having through holes made by the engaging protrusions 227 formed on its surface through which the engaging protrusions 227 are removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Bandai
    Inventor: Kazunori Miura
  • Patent number: 6103169
    Abstract: Microplates and methods for manufacturing microplates. The microplate is designed to allow UV radiation to pass through the bottom wells of the microplate so that the microplate can be used for assaying samples by use of UV absorbance. In one embodiment, the microplate comprises at least first and second wells, each well having a UV permeable bottom. In another embodiment, the microplate comprises a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion contiguous with the upper portion and a sheet disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion and defining the bottom of at least one well of the microplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory Mathus, Paul M. Szlosek, William J. Lacey
  • Patent number: 6096256
    Abstract: Molded plastic parts having inserts associated therewith and a method for their production. The method of the invention consists in providing a mold and positioning an insert in the mold cavity. The insert may comprise part of a latch or nut structure which will ultimately be used for attaching the part to be molded to another part. A pre-molded plastic part is associated with the insert when the latter is placed in the mold. This pre-molded plastic part will be in the form of a cap or other shape which is adapted to at least partially envelope the insert. The plastic to be molded is then introduced to the mold cavity and brought into contact with the pre-molded plastic part. Heat applied to the plastic to be molded, and/or pressure as normally applied during molding, will cause the pre-molded plastic part to deform and take a shape conforming at least in part to the exterior shape of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Buffalo Molded Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Aretz
  • Patent number: 6073937
    Abstract: A composite top plate and methods for manufacturing same are described. The top plate includes a metal insert and a non-metallic member. The metal includes a central portion and a flange portion having cut outs to provide an intermittent surface. The non-metallic member is formed on the metal insert and a portion of the non-metallic material is received in the cutouts to thereafter hold the metal fixed relative to the non-metallic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel B. Stevens, Jack N. Seibel
  • Patent number: 6060146
    Abstract: First and second molten resins are continuously injected toward the respective circumferential surfaces of a die wheel and an associated roller in rotation in opposite directions. The die wheel has in its circumferential surface a multiplicity of engaging-element-forming cavities, and the associated roller is disposed in parallel confronting relationship with the die wheel with a gap equal to the thickness of a substrate sheet of a molded surface fastener member. During that time, a porous core sheet is introduced toward a meeting point of the first and second molten resins and is sandwiched between a first substrate sheet part, which is molded on the circumferential surface of the die wheel, and a second substrate sheet part, which is molded on the circumferential surface of the associated roller, to form a unitary laminate substrate sheet. The resulting molded surface fastener member is free from expansion and local thin portions in either substrate sheet part and is therefore prevented from being torn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Akeno, Ryuichi Murasaki
  • Patent number: 6033605
    Abstract: A microplate and a method for manufacturing microplates. The microplate is designed to reduce optical cross-talk during the assaying of samples. The microplate includes a plurality of wells having light permeable sidewalls, a layer of light permeable material forming a bottom of the wells, and ribs of light impermeable material extending through the layer of light permeable material. The method includes steps of inserting a plate of light permeable material into a mold cavity that includes sections shaped to form the sidewalls of the plurality of wells, injecting molten light impermeable material into the mold cavity, and cooling the light impermeable material to form the microplate with the light impermeable material forming the sidewalls of each of the plurality of wells and the plate of light permeable material forming the bottom wall of each of the plurality of wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul M. Szlosek
  • Patent number: 6033610
    Abstract: A thermal ink-jet pen cartridge having a rigid external frame member fabricated of a rigid engineering plastic, and an interior frame structure attached thereto, formed of a softer, more ductile plastic material than the rigid engineering plastic. An ink reservoir is defined by the interior structure and a pair of flexible bag membranes formed of a plastic material impervious to the ink and compatible with the interior member material, allowing the membranes to be joined to the interior member to form a leak-proof joint The interior frame structure is fabricated from a polymer blend composition comprising (A) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyethylene and a copolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin and (B) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polypropylene and a copolymer of propylene and ethylene, wherein (A) is different from (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: David W. Swanson, Mindy A. Hamlin, James G. Salter, Deenadayalu Chundury
  • Patent number: 6033611
    Abstract: In preparing a golf ball comprising an inner cover (8) and an outer cover (13) around a core (5), an injection mold is used for the injection molding of the inner cover. The mold has a molding surface defining a cavity (4) and a plurality of opposed support pins (6) adapted to be moved into and out of the cavity with respect to the molding surface. The inner cover is formed by supporting the core in the cavity by means of the support pins, leaving a space between the core and the molding surface, injecting a molding material into the space, and curing the injected molding material while support pins are being projected into the cavity and/or support pins have been withdrawn behind the molding surface, thereby forming around the core the inner cover (8) having recesses (12) and/or protrusions (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiko Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6022504
    Abstract: An improved caulking nozzle removably attachable to a caulking tube front cover threaded male adapter positioned on a caulking tube front cover of a caulking tube is insertable in a caulking gun. The improved caulking nozzle includes a female insert which comprises a plurality of female insert threads disposed circumferentially therein. The female insert further includes a female insert opening therethrough. The female insert is constructed from a hard material. A caulking nozzle is integrally connected to the female insert. The caulking nozzle includes a caulking nozzle opening therethrough. The caulking nozzle is constructed from a soft material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventors: William Jesse Boaz, Daniel Harvey Linn
  • Patent number: 6019928
    Abstract: A connector block for injectors of an internal combustion engine having a bar-like body in which bar-like bus bars are arranged in a parallel attitude and embedded in resin. A core member includes bus bar slots in which the bus bars are placed in a desired attitude. Projections are positioned such that they butt against the inner wall of a mold cavity of a mold for resin molding. Holding-pin holes into which holding pins of the mold cavity are fitted so as to form a separation layer between the bus bars and the holding pins. The assembled core member is inserted into the mold cavity of the mold for resin molding, to be held thereby, and the core member is embedded in a resin to form a desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Fujitani, Hisashi Konoya
  • Patent number: 6017476
    Abstract: A specimen processing method and cassette utilizes an open-topped, perforated collection cradle (12) and a flat, perforated embedding pedestal (10) which snap together in a male/female relationship to enclose and orient a specimen (14) during chemical processing. After chemical processing, the embedding pedestal (10) enables a specimen to be embedded in exactly the same plane as the cutting plane of a microtome during sectioning. This minimizes the number of sections required for histologic evaluation and eliminates the need for mechanical handling of the tissue specimen after its initial collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Anthony A. Renshaw
  • Patent number: 5997787
    Abstract: A method for producing a duty gear container including applying a lining material around a core having a shape of an object to be held in the duty gear container, placing the wrapped core within a cavity of a mold sized to form a void between the wrapped core and an outer mold surface of the mold, and injecting a liquid polymeric molding material into the void to form an outer shell of the duty gear container which bonds with the lining material as the molding material of the outer shell cures or hardens in the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Safariland Ltd., Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Nelson, Gregory P. Krueger, Rudolf Stelzer
  • Patent number: 5989472
    Abstract: A metal backing for inclusion in the manufacture of a prosthetic component having a plastic on an upper surface and has a bottom surface portion with elements for attachment to a bone. The backing has an upper surface portion at least part of which is formed by a grill element having exposed front and rear faces and which is intended to be embedded within the plastic bearing member during construction. The plastic bearing material of the bearing element can be molded so that all the faces thereof exposed to the grill are covered and the grill is embedded within the plastic material of the bearing element. The grill is located on a metal support and is provided with spacers on its front face to space the front face away from the support. The grill is cast integrally into the metal support during manufacture. The casting process includes casting a grill on both outer surfaces of the metal backing with the grill element including cross-members spaced from backing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Howmedica International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan M. Ashby, Declan P. Slemon, Melvin Schwartz, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE37340
    Abstract: A solderless twist on wire connector and a method of making a solderless twist on wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector by securing a prior art twist on wire connector in a shell to produce a wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector that can in one operation permit the user to twist the connector to simultaneously compress the junction ends of electrical wires into low resistance electrical contact while encapsulating the junction ends of the electrical wires in a solderless substance. The process includes the method making a twist on wire connector by encapsulating a prior art twist on wire connector in a shell to produce a wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector having a chamber for an encapsulating material. In one embodiment the twist on wire junction encapsulating twist on wire connector includes a puncturable seal and in another embodiment a second compartment for holding a mixable encapsulating materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: King Technology of Missouri, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd Herbert King, Jr.