Utilizing A Flexible, Deformable, Or Destructable Molding Surface Or Material Patents (Class 264/313)
  • Patent number: 5332190
    Abstract: An elastic molding die is composed of an elastomer laminate film, of which the innermost layer is formed of an elastomer not containing fillers. The innermost layer elastomer is preferably an oil-resistant elastomer. Alternatively, an oil-repellent agent may be contained in the innermost layer elastomer. The outer layer may be formed of an elastomer containing fillers. Furthermore, an oil blocking layer can be provided between the inner layer and the outer layer. A master model is dipped in an elastomer solution not containing fillers, heat dried to form a gelled elastomer film, the film is coated with a coagulant, dipped again in an elastomer solution, taken out, gelation treated, and the elastomer film is peeled from the master model to obtain an elastic molding die. In another method, a once-formed hollow elastic molding die is turned inside out, pressed in with a gas to swell, the swollen die is coated with an elastomer solution not containing fillers, heat dried, and turned it again inside out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Okamoto Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Akinori Watanabe, Itaru Horiguchi, Tsuguyo Ando, Atsushi Sato
  • Patent number: 5330346
    Abstract: The invention relates to a die for ceramic tiles. The die includes two semi-dies between which the material to be compacted is pressed. One of the half-dies is connected to an elastic wall. An external face of the elastic wall has the imprint of one of the faces of the tile to be manufactured. The elastic wall is positioned over and in contact with a cavity that is filled with an incompressible liquid. The cavity is divided into portions by a lattice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Sichenia Gruppo Ceramische S.p.A.
    Inventor: Italo Scardovi
  • Patent number: 5324471
    Abstract: A method for molding an article by dip or slush molding. The method includes the step of providing a flexible, heat resistant mold member. The mold member maintains its structural integrity during further heating and curing steps. Thus the mold member may therefore be used as an insert in the article to provide flexible stability at specific locations within the article. The mold member is made of a material which is substantially non-reactive with the molded article. The article may be any article made from a plastisol; in particular it can be a binaural for a stethoscope having a single or double lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Packard, James H. Quackenbush
  • Patent number: 5322656
    Abstract: An apparatus for coating the outer surface of an elongated body (10), such as a rod or tube, with a layer of concrete (30) includes a frame structure (21). Pipe or tube sections (10) may be supplied to a tilting device (27) in a horizontal position on a carriage (12) and tilted to a vertical position within the tower-like frame structure (21). The apparatus comprises means (24, 27) for retaining the elongated body (10) in the upright position within the frame structure and an annular mould (26) for surrounding the upright elongated body so as to define an annular space between the elongated body and the annular mould, and concrete may be fed to the annular mould space by feeding means (28, 29). The mould may include an upper funnel-like part, which is rotatable about the axis of the annular mould relative to the remaining part of the mould so as to distribute the concrete mixture peripherally in the annular mould space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Vibrodens A/S
    Inventor: Jes Pallesen
  • Patent number: 5318422
    Abstract: A vacuum bag molding apparatus for a mold having an inner molding surface and a peripheral edge with a vacuum pipe extending around the edge and connected by a series of vacuum ports to the inner molding surface inward of the edge, which includes a continuous channel member of metal or plastic and a spline member of metal or plastic which is receivable with a tight fit in the channel of the channel member to hold a flexible air-impervious sheet between the spline and the channel of the channel member to provide an air-tight vacuum bag which is evacuable through the vacuum ports of the mold to carry out a vacuum bag molding procedure. The sheet of flexible material, channel member, spline member and adhesive to secure the channel member to the edge of the mold may be supplied as a kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Robert K. Erland
  • Patent number: 5314653
    Abstract: A uniformly expandable mold is formed with a continuous surface defining a three-dimensional pattern for replicating an article. The relative pressure between the inside of the mold and the outside controls the area of the surface to change the size of the three-dimensional pattern without distorting the relative dimensional relationship of the component segments forming the pattern whereby material may be deposited on the mold surface with the mold expanded to a desired size. The pressure differential is increased to increase the size of the mold and stretch the layer already deposited thereon. A second, dissimilar layer is bonded to the first layer while it is streched When the article is removed from the mold, a state of relative expansive/compressive tension is created at the bond interface between the first and second layers which forces the material of one layer to enter voids in the other layer to seal defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Harold Gell, P.C.
    Inventor: Constantine Haralambopoulos
  • Patent number: 5314646
    Abstract: According to one example of embodiment of the invention a ceramic pre-moulding 81 of stable form is pressed from ceramic composition in powder form in a first isostatic pressing action, at least a part of its surface being formed in contact with rigid shaping surfaces 42. The pre-moulding 81 thus obtained is then--possibly after glazing-subjected to a higher pressure, in a further pressing operation on all sides and then fired in a ONCE-ONLY quick-firing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Hutschenreuther AG
    Inventors: Klaus Strobel, Karl Schwarzmeier
  • Patent number: 5310512
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a non-planar synthetic diamond structure of predetermined shape. A non-planar mandrel surface of the predetermined shape is provided and the mandrel surface is coated with a release substance. Synthetic diamond is deposited on the coating of release substance. The release substance is then activated to effect release of the deposited synthetic diamond structure. In a disclosed embodiment of the method of the invention a dome-shaped hollow mandrel is coated with a metal-containing substance, and synthetic diamond is deposited over the coating using a plasma jet deposition process. The metal containing substance is then heated to release the resultant diamond structure from the mandrel. In a form of the disclosed method, the metal-containing substance is a metal alloy which is highly polished before deposition of synthetic diamond thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Norton Company
    Inventor: Louis K. Bigelow
  • Patent number: 5308669
    Abstract: A ceramic foam reinforced structural material is disclosed as comprising either a hollow-legged or a solid legged ceramic open-celled foam. The foam is saturated with or surrounded by a resilient polymeric or other ductile material such as a plastic, to obtain a structural member with the high compressibility of ceramics while eliminating the edge brittleness inherent therein. The ductile material further provides the material with suitably fastenable and workable surfaces. Where an impact barrier is desired to be made of the structural material the ceramic foam is disclosed as being filled at least partially with a flowable material such as a liquid or a gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Bryan Prucher
  • Patent number: 5306460
    Abstract: A method of providing hollow cast products using a filling unit wherein a non-solid material is filled into elastic molds having open bag shaped interior filling sections by a filling nozzle insertable internally of the filling sections of the elastic molds and a blowing nozzle for blowing air into the filling section, which includes: partly filling the filling sections of the elastic molds with the non-solid material, and blowing air into the partly filled filling sections before the material solidifies to blow the material upward and solidify the material on the inner peripheral surface of the filling sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Asahi Denka Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Hidawa, Toshiya Fujishima, Satoru Takeda, Toshihiro Hayashi, Hiroshige Kohno
  • Patent number: 5302333
    Abstract: The starting end and the finishing end of a seam extruded onto a sheet of glass, for example a windshield of an automobile, are joined to complete an edge gasket. A separate supplementary mold receives part of the glass containing the ends of the seam, and a compatible polymerizable composition is poured into the mold to complete the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Societa Italiana Vetro - SIV - S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luigi Capriotti, Oscar De Lena
  • Patent number: 5298102
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and bonding skins to shaped articles includes a first sleeve having an open top end and a lower end closed by a bottom plate, a second sleeve having an open top end and a lower second end which is slidable arranged, and coaxially connected, with the top end of the first sleeve, a top plate, and a forming medium. The forming medium may be an elastic medium, a fluid, or a plurality of low-friction particles, and may be covered by a flexible open pore sponge blanket. The shaped article and the laminate skin to be bonded thereto are placed on the forming medium within a space defined in part by the second sleeve, and the forming medium is pressurized so as to cause the skin to form and bond to the shaped article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Sorbilite Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew P. Pohl
  • Patent number: 5292475
    Abstract: Variability between composite structures can be reduced by utilizing forming and curing tooling that includes a cure tool and a preform tool. The cure tool has a curing surface. The curing surface defines the shape of a cured composite structure. The preform tool has a preform surface that is divided into at least first and second surface area portions. The first surface area portion is of the same surface shape to the corresponding surface area of the curing surface on the cure tool. The second surface portion is of a surface shape that is different from the surface shape of the corresponding surface area of the curing surface on the cure tool. The differences between the second surface area portion of the preform surface and its complementary surface on the curing surface is such that there is an increase in the surface area of the second surface area portion of the preform surface compared to a corresponding area on the curing surface of the cure tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Northrop Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Mead, Colin G. Clayton
  • Patent number: 5292474
    Abstract: A toothed belt construction, preformed fabric liner therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the preformed fabric liner being adapted to line the toothed surface of a toothed belt construction and having serially disposed tooth-shaped projections throughout the length thereof that substantially accurately correspond to the teeth of the belt construction so as to line the toothed surface thereof, the preformed fabric liner comprising an endless tubular sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5286421
    Abstract: In an optical element, and a method and apparatus for forming the same, peeling does not occur while a resin layer is cured, and the completed optical element can be easily released after the resin layer has been completely cured. The optical-element forming apparatus includes a forming surface for transferring a predetermined surface shape onto a surface of the resin layer, and includes a mold member having a high molecular weight material satisfying physical values of a hardness: >D50 and/or >R70, a modulus of elasticity: 5000-35000 kgf/cm.sup.2, a coefficient of friction: <0.2, a coefficient of water absorption: <0.3%, and a light resistance: invariable or slightly variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Arai
  • Patent number: 5286438
    Abstract: The method of fabricating a complex part made of composite material and having a plurality of panels oriented in diverse angular relationship, and utilizing a plurality of conformable cauls upon which the composite material is individually laid up and which cauls cooperate to form one of the molds used in the co-curing of the individually laid-up composite materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander C. Dublinski, Ronald J. Cooper, Edward J. Fabian, Gary J. Jacaruso, Philip J. Ramey, Darryl M. Toni, Matthew T. Turner
  • Patent number: 5284616
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of objects from powdered material by isostatic or pseudo-isostatic pressing. A porous body (10), with open pores in contact with the external surface(s), is preformed from a powdered material, whereupon at least one layer (11, 12) of a powdered material is applied onto the external surface of the preformed porous body by dipping. The preformed porous body is covered with a casing (13) of glass, or a material which forms glass upon heating, arranged outside the intermediate layer (12). The casing is made impenetrable to the pressure medium by heating, whereupon the preformed body is compacted to an essentially dense body. The pore system of the preformed porous body is evacuated by applying a sub-atmospheric pressure by means of at least one suction cup (21) which is applied on the external surface to be coated in connection with and during the dipping of the body in a slurry (20) of powdered materials included in the layer (11, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignees: ABB Cerama AB, Sandvik AB
    Inventors: Bertil Mattsson, Jan Nilsson, Marianne Collin
  • Patent number: 5283232
    Abstract: A method for producing an oxide superconducting composite wire is disclosed, which comprises the steps of: (a) molding a powdered oxide superconductor material to form a wire; (b) heat treating the wire in an oxygen atmosphere thereby forming the wire into an oxide superconducting member; (c) forming a non-oxidizing metal intermediate layer on a surface of the oxide superconducting member; (d) bundling a plurality of the oxide superconducting members containing the intermediate layer; (e) inserting the bundled oxide superconducting members into an oxidizing metal support tube; and (f) drawing the product of step (e) to reduce its diameter and heat-treating it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kohno, Yoshimitsu Ikeno, Nobuyuki Sadakata, Masaru Sugimoto, Mikio Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 5277854
    Abstract: Method and apparatus to form grids of open cells from fibers, especially wood fibers and fibers from waste paper and mixed waste materials. The invention utilizes a screen carrying a plurality of elastomeric pads of predetermined sizes arranged thereon in predetermined spaced relation to each other. The fiber is deposited between the pads but not above the pads. The deposited fibers and the pads are compressed normal to the screen, which causes the fiber in the spaces between the pads to be consolidated both normal and parallel to the screen, resulting in a open grid having cells of the shape of the pads. Numerous variations are provided including several continuous production embodiments. The invention uses state of the art technology for virtually all aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: John F. Hunt
  • Patent number: 5275547
    Abstract: A mold assembly (10) for injection molding material including a mold base (12), a clamping plate (14) and a flexible membrane (16). The flexible membrane has a retainer portion (29) engaged within a groove (28) in the mold base, and secured in position clamped intermediate the clamping plate and mold base. The clamping plate and membrane form a mold cavity (54) having a desired configuration for forming the molding material injected into the mold assembly (10). The mold base (12) and flexible membrane (16) form a pressure cavity (56) which is supplied with fluid during the injection of molding material into the mold assembly, to support the flexible membrane (16) in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 5271875
    Abstract: A mold assembly includes first and second mold sections having respective first and second mold cavity defining surfaces, the first mold cavity defining surface terminating in an encircling peripheral rim and the second mold cavity defining surface terminating in a deformable peripheral annulus disposed at a diameter corresponding to the rim, and cooperating tapers depending from each of the first and second molds for relatively centering the molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: William J. Appleton, Dennis Hahn, William E. Moucha, Dominic V. Ruscio, John H. Shannon, Steven D. Silbermann, Edwin W. Weaver, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5269988
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for making an electrochemical cell solid electrolyte holder. A layer of solid electrolyte powder or its precursor is formed around an externally screw threaded mandrel. The powder is pressed to form the holder in a green state with internal threads formed by the mandrel. The mandrel is screwed axially out of the green holder, after which the green holder is sintered. In the apparatus there is a mandrel which has external threads, and a flexible sheath. The mandrel is receivable in the sheath to provide an annular space around the mandrel for receiving a powder to be isostatically pressed by the sheath. The space is provided between the sheath and a mold, but can, instead, be provided between the mandrel and sheath, or between two sheaths between the mold and mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Programme 3 Patent Holdings
    Inventor: Johan Coetzer
  • Patent number: 5266257
    Abstract: An embossing roll is formed by a process which includes molding a seamless embossing roll within a seamless sleeve. The sleeve has indicia disposed about the inner circumference and which is then reverse molded into the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Kildune
  • Patent number: 5263844
    Abstract: An elastic mold consists of a product molding section in which a fluidized charging material is charged and solidified to form a molded product, and a mold holding section formed integrally with a take-out opening which is contiguous to the product molding section and which is smaller in size than the molded product. The take-out opening contiguous to the product molding section and the mold holding section is of uniform thickness and is curved smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Akutagawa Confectionery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tokuji Akutagawa
  • Patent number: 5262121
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of making an elastomeric mandrel for use in formation of parts from composite materials. The method of making includes providing a separable mold with an interior chamber shaped to provide a desired exterior mandrel size and shape; applying uncured elastomeric material to surfaces of the interior chamber of separated parts of the mold; joining the elastomeric material by assembling the mold parts prior to cure such that the material joins at seams and allowing the elastomeric material to cure into a shape of the desired flexible mandrel. The mandrel is provided with a fill opening such that it is fillable with a particulate solid media and evacuable to compact the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Kenneth T. Goodno
  • Patent number: 5262118
    Abstract: In the production of a hollow FRP article such as a wood type carbon black golf club head, a hollow resin shell is formed via blow molding, heat-resistant fine particles are filled as a filler into the interior of the resin shell, the interior of the resin shell is decompressed to form an inner mold, the inner mold is covered with FRP prepreg including thermoplastic resin to form a prepreg composite, the prepreg composite is heated in a metallic mold under pressure and the fine articles are removed after demolding. A golf club shaft is formed by heating a mandrel, applying thermoplastic resin powder to the mandrel and then winding a lamellar prepreg around the mandrel to thereby form a hollow shaft. A golf club is formed from a head and shaft formed as described above by enlarging the end of the shaft, placing the shaft and the head in a mold and heating the mold under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihari Fukushima, Masuhiro Okada, Kaoru Hashimoto, Eizi Abe, Kunio Hiyama
  • Patent number: 5252279
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of producing perforated articles. A woven material, such as woven graphite, is impregnated with a curable high flow resin, such as epoxy or BMI resin, and placed on a pressure transmitting pad which has stud holes positioned and sized so as to permit the studs of a flexible mold to fit therein. The material can be smoothed over the pad using a roller. The studded flexible mold, which can be of polypropylene, polyethylene or PEEK, is then applied, pushing the studs through the woven material and into the stud holes. The pressure transmitting pad is removed and the flexible mold with the woven material thereon is formed to a desired contour, such as through placing the mold on a forming tool, followed by partially curing the resin impregnated in the woven material until the impregnated resin material has sufficient structural integrity to permit removal from the mold without permanent deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Reinhold Industries
    Inventors: Gerald W. Gore, Philip H. Milner, Jr., Gordon A. Petersen
  • Patent number: 5244618
    Abstract: Continuous process and apparatus form products from thermoplastic materials between top and bottom mold carriages. A flexible silicone rubber mold on a fiber belt continuously moves around each carriage frame. A surface of desired shape on one rubber mold mates with the desired shape of an opposed rubber mold forming a continuously moving mold channel into which is fed hot thermoplastic material at moldable temperature. After discharging the molded plastic product from the moving mold channel, localized surface heat in the molds resulting from contact with hot plastic is removed from the belt molds by air blown onto mold surfaces. Each carriage frame includes a back-up plate coated with low friction coefficient material over which slides a continuously moving belt mold. These slippery plates have numerous air-bearing holes feeding high pressure air between them and the respective moving fiber belt for reducing friction and wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Kemcast Partners-1989
    Inventors: W. James Kemerer, Clyde W. Vassar
  • Patent number: 5244377
    Abstract: Dies for posteriors and anterior curves. A spherical surface is formed in the end of a body member, the side walls of which are compressed to change the spherical surface geometry to toric shape. The side wall is cylindrical and provided with two elongated slots which define two opposite ribs. A bolt passing through the ribs is tightened to provide the compressive forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Standard Antiseptic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick J. Danker
  • Patent number: 5242647
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for making monolithic castings of transparent silica aerogel with densities in the range from 0.001 g/cm.sup.3 to 0.6 g/cm.sup.3. Various shapes of aerogels are cast in flexible polymer molds which facilitate removal and eliminate irregular surfaces. Mold dimensions are preselected to account for shrinkage of alcogel which occurs during the drying step of supercritical extraction of solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Regents of The University of California
    Inventor: John F. Poco
  • Patent number: 5238388
    Abstract: An apparatus for molding a soft ophthalmic lens, having a male and female portion, one having around the periphery of the optical surface a knife edge and one containing a rim bushing peripherally exterior to the knife edge. The two portions are mated so that the knife edge deformably penetrates the other portion. Excess material is expelled from the mold cavity and separated from the lens by a region of prepolymer discontinuity defined by the rim bushing contact area. The mold portion containing the rim bushing is produced by using a cylindrical insert and an annular sleeve machined to have the rim bushing on the surface of one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Tsai
  • Patent number: 5232637
    Abstract: A method of producing a glass-plastic, laminated, ophthalmic lens structure in a continuous operation. A thin, flexible, plastic adhesive layer is applied to a glass element to form a composite body that is inserted in a cylindrical gasket in such manner as to fit snugly and be sealed from the ambient. A monomeric formulation is flowed onto the adhesive layer and cured to form a laminated lens blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: David Dasher, E. Robert Fretz, Jr., Mark S. Friske, Reba S. Herndon, Ronald E. Johnson, David J. Kerko, John W. Nelson, Frederick E. Noll, Anthony R. Olszewski, Nikki J. Russo
  • Patent number: 5221542
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for making an electrochemical cell solid electrolyte holder. A layer of solid electrolyte powder or its precursor is formed around an externally screw threaded mandrel. The powder is pressed to form the holder in a green state with internal threads formed by the mandrel. The mandrel is screwed axially out of the green holder, after which the green holder is sintered. In the apparatus there is a mandrel which has external threads, and a flexible sheath. The mandrel is receivable in the sheath to provide an annular space around the mandrel for receiving a powder to be isostatically pressed by the sheath. The space is provided between the sheath and a mould, but can, instead, be provided between the mandrel and sheath, or between two sheaths between the mould and mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Programme 3 Patent Holdings
    Inventor: Johan Coetzer
  • Patent number: 5217671
    Abstract: A tubular body for reducing the rate at which a fluid flows to a predetermined rate with a resistance in a flow control device of a pressure measuring system, includes a tubular member having an axis along which the fluid can flow therethrough, and a land projecting radially inwardly from an inner wall surface of the tubular member. The tubular member and the land are integrally formed as a unitary structure, the land having an orifice extending along the axis of the tubular member. A method of manufacturing the tubular body, and a flow control device incorporating the tubular body are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yousuke Moriuchi, Fumihisa Hirose, Goichi Takei
  • Patent number: 5217664
    Abstract: Process for the production of a component, in which metal or ceramic powder (6) is applied under centrifugal force to the inner wall of a gas-permeable mold (13), which is under reduced pressure and is located in a reduced-pressure vessel (10), and precompacted, after which the mold (13) is removed from the vessel (10) and sintered. The mold (13) consists of a heap of ceramic grains with an organic binder having high strength between room temperature and a temperature just below the sintering temperature, in order to support the powder (6) to be sintered to give the component. When sintering starts, the binder evaporates or burns away, as a result of which the mold (13) substantially loses its supporting action for the component. Binder: aminolic, phenolic, furan resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.
    Inventor: Heinrich Feichtinger
  • Patent number: 5217669
    Abstract: A method of making a flexible composite tool particularly adapted for composite molding and the composite tool made by this method. The method includes dissolving a B-staged fluoroelastomer in a suitable solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone or toluene to form a fluoroelastomer solution. A fabric is then coated with the fluoroelastomer solution. The solvent is evaporated and the impregnated fabric is sandwiched between unreinforced sheets to form a reinforced tooling material. The reinforced tooling material is laid up with alternating layers of unreinforced fluoroelastomer and then cured to form a composite tool which is stable through multiple thermal cycles. In addition, an elastomer tool can be provided with detail cavities shaped to accept separately formed detail structures, with each cavity including extra reinforcement in order to locate the details to close tolerances without extensive hand positioning or use of adhesives. The tool is useful in molding composites and is reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alex C. Dublinski, David A. Evans, Joseph Goldberg, Geoffrey C. R. Davis, Sharp, Jr., William, Michael A. Kornitzky
  • Patent number: 5213732
    Abstract: A process for preparing cast articles includes preparing a primary mold of a flexible resilient bag-shaped membrane, disposing casting material in a flowable state into the primary mold and allowing the casting material to harden. Optionally, a relatively fixed secondary mold or a combination of relatively fixed secondary molds can be used adjacent the outside of the primary mold to impart a predetermined shape to portions of the cast object. A continuous ultra-smooth surface is created on the cast objects duplicating the surface of smooth naturally weathered stone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Milomir Jevtic
  • Patent number: 5208051
    Abstract: A helical tooling process for economical production of high quality, high temperature thermoplastic composite tubes uses a mandrel or external cylinder to resist a force applied from a helical member for consolidation pressure, compaction, and part removal. The helical too long process facilitates the prescription of a desired consolidation pressure and diameter, independent of temperature. The advantages of the disclosed process include improved produced part quality, increased process flexibility, and enhanced economic efficiency. These advantages stem from the device being easily controlled and fabricated and having a low thermal mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Timothy M. Berg, Timothy G. Gutowski
  • Patent number: 5204042
    Abstract: In a process for forming composite laminate parts from reinforcing fibers and resin, a mold is selected which has a mold cavity having a part definition surface therein and a resin passageway leading to the cavity. An expansion member capable of expanding to a larger volume in response to heat is located in the cavity in conjunction reinforcing fibers which will form a part of the composite laminate part. The mold cavity is closed and resin is injected through the resin passageway to saturate the fibers. The expansion member is heated to expand the expansion member an amount sufficient to consolidate the resin and the reinforcing fibers between the expansion member and the part definition surface to shape the fibers and the resin into a component laminate part mimicking the shape of the part definition surface and to expel any excess resin from the cavity to the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Northrop Corporation
    Inventors: Darryl G. James, Aubrey G. Jackson, Jr., Stephen M. Novak
  • Patent number: 5200133
    Abstract: Shaped products are prepared by molding composite materials based on a fabric consisting of at least two superimposed single-directional layers of continuous fibers stitched together with thread, with the continuous fibers being oriented in different directions from each other. The composite fabric is stamped in a die by means of a stamp while applying at the same time a monitored tension to the fabric as the fabric is forced into the hollow of the die by a stamp. The monitored tension is modulated by interposing relaxation stages having a value slightly greater than zero. The fabric, while maintained under monitored tension, is impregnated with a quantity of resin or binder needed for the formation of the finished part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Bronzavia-Air Equipment
    Inventors: Jean H. Dieul, Jean-Claude Bonneau
  • Patent number: 5200125
    Abstract: An electronic component is molded into a resin seal by first compressing a resin tablet to increase its density by removing air contained in the tablet. The compressed or molded resin tablet is supplied into a pot (3) wherein the tablet is melted by heat. The melted resin is injected under pressure into cavities (5a, 5b) through a transfer path (9), whereby electronic components (10) set in these cavities (5a, 5b) are seal molded. This method substantially prevents air from being mixed into the melted resin and also avoids the formation of a void within and on the surface of a resin sealed molding of the electronic components (10) encapsulated in the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: T&K International Laboratory, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michio Osada
  • Patent number: 5191923
    Abstract: A self-leveling shim for centrifugal casting apparatus of the type wherein piston means maintain two-part elastomer molds in pressurized engagement with each other during the molding operation, said shim comprising an inflatable bladder positioned between said piston means and said molds, said bladder being inflatable only at selected portions thereof, so as to apply shim pressure at the portions of the molds where such pressure is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Conley Casting Supply Corp.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Goss
  • Patent number: 5188790
    Abstract: A novel method for forming a gel matrix. In this method an apparatus is provided which includes a first and second plate, each plate having a flat surface, and a spacer. The spacer is positioned between the flat surfaces of the two plates so that the flat surfaces are located close to each other with a gap from the top of the plates to the bottom of the plates. The apparatus is placed into a generally rectangular liquid impermeable bag having one top open end, a bottom end and a side wall therebetween. The apparatus is placed into this bag such that the top of the plates is parallel to the top open edge of the bag, and the bottom of the plates is located adjacent the bottom end of the bag. The apparatus is fixed, e.g., clamped, in place firmly within the bag and a gelling solution poured into the gap between the plates. This gelling solution is then allowed to set to form the desired gel matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Owl Scientific Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary P. Magnant
  • Patent number: 5185409
    Abstract: A process for preparing high molecular weight water soluble polymer gels having relatively narrow molecular weight distributions is disclosed. An aqueous reaction mixture comprising a solution of a water soluble vinyl monomer and a suitable catalyst system is polymerized in a reactor comprising a tube or bag of an oxygen-impermeable film in the substantial absence of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Diatec Environmental
    Inventor: Edwin T. Sortwell
  • Patent number: 5183619
    Abstract: A process of applying catalyzed resin through a vacuum bag onto a dry hand lay-up uses at least one resin reservoir with a valve nozzle thereon. The valve nozzle is placed between the lay-up and the vacuum bag. By lifting the resin reservoir connected to the valve nozzle, the catalyzed resin placed in the reservoir will be sucked by vacuum onto the laminate. The lowering of the resin reservoir stops the flow. The vacuum bag between the valve nozzle and the reservoir connector must be broken first to allow an open channel to the valve nozzle outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Robert J. Tolton
  • Patent number: 5183615
    Abstract: A molding method is used to produce a module cover for an air bag device which has undercut portions in mounting edge portions thereof. A lower mold disposed inside the module cover to be produced is of the split type so that is includes a central mold disposed at the center and a plurality of lateral molds for molding of the undercut portions. The mating face of the central mold with each lateral mold is oblique so that its bottom is closer to the edge of the module cover than its top. Thus, the module cover produced can be detached from the lower mold by moving the lateral molds mutually inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Takayasu Zushi
  • Patent number: 5181717
    Abstract: An inflated bladder-type sports or leisure ball, e.g., a football, having as a cover, an external layer of polyurethane or polyurethane-polyurea foam with compact integral skin. The thickness of the covering layer is between about 1.5 and about 5 mm, whereas the thickness of the compact integral skin is between about 0.5 and about 2 mm. The ball may be of a hand-sewn, laminated or overmolded type. A process for manufacturing such balls is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Adidas Sarragan France
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Donntag, Jacques Casper
  • Patent number: 5176867
    Abstract: A toothed belt construction, preformed fabric liner therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the preformed fabric liner being adapted to line the toothed surface of a toothed belt construction and having serially disposed tooth-shaped projections throughout the length thereof that accurately correspond to the teeth of the belt construction so as to line the toothed surface thereof, the preformed fabric liner including an endless tubular sleeve that has the tooth-shaped projections formed therein while the fabric liner is still in the endless tubular sleeve form thereof and being telescoped onto an externally toothed cylindrical mold member by axially sliding the preformed endless tubular sleeve thereon before a belt sleeve is subsequently formed on the mold member to make the toothed belt construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5171735
    Abstract: A method for forming a high T.sub.c metal oxide superconductor in the form of a hollow fiber. The method includes the steps of: forming a polymer-metal complex precursor; filling a decomposable hollow fiber mold with the precursor; and heating the filled mold to decompose the mold and convert the precursor to a metal oxide superconductor in the form of a hollow fiber. Ag-doped metal oxide superconductor structures can also be produced by the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Academy of Applied Science
    Inventor: James C. W. Chien
  • Patent number: 5169585
    Abstract: A method and device for fabricating posts made of concrete having a polygonal cross-section includes the steps of providing and opening an integral liner, applying backing panels to the liner, holding the panels together with a hooping means, and pouring and hardening concrete in the integral liner. The liner is collapsible and preformed to open in the shape of a right prism with an internal section identical to that of the post to be manufactured. Backing panels made of cardboard or plastic material support the external faces of the liner and entirely cover the external faces of the liner. At least one of the backing panels is adhered to an external face of the liner. A hooping means holds the liner and the backing panels assembled in mutual contact during the use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Rolland Le Gourrierec