Utilizing A Flexible, Deformable, Or Destructable Molding Surface Or Material Patents (Class 264/313)
  • Publication number: 20110316194
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dry casting concrete wall blocks having a decorative face. The blocks are cast in a mold including a form, a flexible insert and a steel pallet. Magnets hold the insert on the pallet while permitting the insert to slide on the pallet into alignment with the form when the form and pallet are moved together. The insert creates a decorative face on one or more simultaneously cast blocks. After the blocks are cast, the uncured blocks and the insert are moved together from the form and transferred to a curing area. After the blocks cure, they are separated from the insert. Preferably, additional concrete mix is provided adjacent the insert prior to compacting to avoid voids in the block face. Optionally, the shoe which compacts the concrete mix may be shaped to impart a lip adjacent a back edge of the block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Rosetta Hardscapes, LLC
    Inventor: Jeremy L. Manthei
  • Patent number: 8083981
    Abstract: A flexible tube comprises a tubular body made of a curable flexible material, having at least an elbow shape, and made by a double curing, the first on a straight mandrel, and the second on a shaped cylindric core, to provide the tube with a desired configuration. With respect to the conventional art in this field, the invention provides the advantage that the shaped tube made thereby is directly provided, at the end portion thereof, with the required fittings, without the need of performing auxiliary processing steps to clamp the fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: IVG Colbachini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Aldinio Colbachini
  • Patent number: 8075719
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated method for manufacturing layer by layer a composite part with rotational symmetry and complex cross-section, comprising the following stages: a) a reel or roll comprising a reinforcement is continuously unwound; b) as an option, the reinforcement is impregnated with a liquid resin by passing through a bath; c) the impregnated reinforcement is wound onto a rotating cylindrical mandrel; d) the impregnated reinforcement is completely or partially polymerised in order to obtain a composite material; e) a support and/or support material is deposited on both sides of the composite material forming the part being manufactured in such a way as to fill the gaps surrounding said part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Techspace Aero S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Laurent, Georges Duchaine
  • Patent number: 8066929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for placing at least one material layer onto a relief mold for producing a composite material. Thereby, an elastically-reversibly deformable body with a surface relief that is designed to correspond to the relief mold is pressed against the material layer, as a result of which the surface of said body is deformed, and the material layer can be picked up. As a result of its elastically-reversible characteristics the body subsequently deforms back to its initial state so that the material layer can easily be placed onto the relief mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignees: Airbus Operations GmbH, Deutsche Zentrum Fuer Luft-und Raumfahrt E.V. (DLR)
    Inventors: Ulrich Eberth, Hans-Martin Krafft, Martin Friedrich
  • Patent number: 8062022
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressing device, respectively to a corresponding pressing method, for isostatic pressing of a body (8) from powdery and/or granulated material (3), comprising a die (1) with a die wall (6) forming a forming space (2) and with a die opening (5) from outside the die through the die wall into the forming space (2) for filling the forming space (2) with the material and for removing the body pressed therein after pressing, with the die wall being made from elastic material, for compacting the material (3) by an isostatic compacting pressure (p) applied to the outside of the die wall, and a punch (4) for closing the die opening during pressing, with the punch (4) being constituted by a metallic insert (13) in longitudinal direction and an elastic jacket (14) surrounding the metallic insert (13), with an front end section (7) of the insert (13) penetrating into the forming space while closing the die opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Dorst Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans-Christian Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8048346
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a septic tank using an outer mold and an inner removable plug, between which hardenable fluid material is poured. Preferably, the plug and mold are positioned with respect to one another in a manner that permits a septic tank to be fabricated in a single pour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Mark W. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8043457
    Abstract: A fiber placement tool comprising a plurality of tool segments, each tool segment having an outer surface defining a predetermined profile, each tool segment being removably mounted on at least one elongate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Chistopher David Jones, Simon John Astwood, Steven Matthew Evans
  • Publication number: 20110254200
    Abstract: A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. A carrier mold comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a body, and two or more prongs, each prong having a proximal base and a distal end; wherein at least one prong is in partial contact with at least one other prong; wherein the inner surface defines an inner cavity for producing a shaped tampon; wherein the inner cavity is structured to define or mirror the desired shape of the shaped tampon; and wherein the shaped tampon has a length and comprises various perimeters along its length. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Wade Monroe Hubbard, JR., Kevin Charles Strong, Michael John Mers-Kelly, Daniel Raymond Wiegele
  • Patent number: 8038923
    Abstract: One method of forming a part includes deforming a shape memory polymer from a permanent shape into a temporary shape, where the permanent shape of the shape memory polymer is a predetermined part shape and the temporary shape is a shape larger than the predetermined part shape. The shape memory polymer in each of the permanent shape and the temporary shape defines a cavity therein. The method further includes introducing a molding material into the cavity of the shape memory polymer, and reverting the shape memory polymer back into its permanent shape. Other methods for forming the part are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Elisabeth J. Berger, Ingrid A. Rousseau, John N. Owens, Hamid G. Kia
  • Patent number: 8034278
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for molding composite bodies into composite parts using pressure. A lower inflexible mold is combined with an elastic upper mold layer to form a molding cavity in which the composite body to be molded is placed. An elastic pressure layer is used in combination with the upper mold layer to form a pressure chamber. A flexible expansion control layer is used to limit the increase in surface area of the pressure layer during pressurization. A perimeter retention lock is provided to prevent the perimeters of the elastic and flexible layers from moving inward or away from the lower mold during application of pressure to the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventor: Alfonso Lopez
  • Patent number: 8029717
    Abstract: There is provided a nanoimprint apparatus. The nanoimprint apparatus transfers a pattern formed on a surface of a mold to a transfer layer which is formed partially or entirely on a side surface of a substantially cylindrical or columnar substrate. The nanoimprint apparatus includes: a first jig which is in contact with the substrate 102; a second jig which rotatably supports the first jig; a press unit which is connected to the second jig to press the substrate on the mold 104 through the first and second jigs; and a movable holding unit which holds the mold and moves the mold 104 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a pressing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Namiki Seimitsu Houseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuya Nakamura, Nobuo Imaizumi, Yoshihito Hiyama, Ryutaro Maeda, Hiroshi Goto
  • Patent number: 8025266
    Abstract: A mold and a process for preparing a customized hot pour product formed of a hot pour material. The process comprises the steps of providing a mold having a top part with a pour space and a base part, applying hot pour material into the mold through the pour space and allowing the hot pour material to cool, removing the top part of the mold to provide a first exposed surface, and releasing the base part to provide a second exposed surface. The mold may be customized to include inserts, removable members, projections, recesses, and combinations thereof in the base part and/or top part, thereby providing for a hot pour product with one or more exposed surfaces that are embossed, debossed, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Cosmetics Group USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred E. Booth
  • Patent number: 8016970
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a pre-cured composite strip to a composite component. A pre-cured composite strip having a thermoset resin may be placed on a surface of a portion of the composite component where a caul plate seam may be expected. Caul plates may be placed on the composite component after placing the pre-cured composite strip to form the caul plate seam. The composite component may be cured after placing the caul plates on the composite component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Dull, William H. Ingram
  • Patent number: 8017056
    Abstract: Water-soluble salt cores are used in molds for the production of hollow moldings by plastic molding. The production of hollow plastic moldings is effected by positioning a water-soluble salt core in a mold, molding a thermoplastic molding material around the salt core and, after solidification of the thermoplastic molding material, washing out the salt core with a water-containing solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Emil Muller GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Hans Grözinger
  • Patent number: 8007705
    Abstract: A polymer is formed into the shape of a one-piece composite part and then solidified by curing, setting, hardening or otherwise solidifying the polymer to form a shaped polymer form having a shape that does not draw. Composite material is laid up on the form and solidified to from the composite part. The rigidity required of the form to lay up the composite part can he provided by operating in the polymer form's glassy state, forming the shaped polymer form with a hollow core and placing a rigid insert designed to draw inside the hollow core with the polymer form in its elastomeric state or through a combination of both. In its elastomeric state the form becomes pliable (without relaxing to a different memorized shape) and can he drawn out of the one-piece composite part. Because the shape of the form does not draw, the form deforms as it is drawn. If used, the rigid insert is drawn out prior to removing the shaped polymer form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Terry M. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 8003023
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a liquid crystal display (LCD) device wherein a photolithography technique is replaced by soft lithography is disclosed. The method includes: forming a thin film transistor array substrate; forming a color filter substrate; bonding the thin film transistor array substrate and the color filter substrate; and applying a liquid crystal between the thin film transistor array substrate and the color filter substrate, wherein at least one of the forming the thin film transistor array substrate and the forming the color filter substrate includes a pattern forming method using a soft mold. The pattern forming method may be a soft lithography process that includes: contacting a soft mold having a particular pattern with a surface of a buffer layer and applying a constant heat to the soft mold and buffer layer to transfer the particular pattern onto the buffer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyoo-Chul Jo, Jin-Wuk Kim, Chang-Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8002538
    Abstract: A collapsible core device for molding articles around the core device in a mold cavity includes an expansion member, a discontinuous first sleeve and a discontinuous second sleeve. When the expansion member is fitted within the first and second sleeves, the expansion member and the first and second sleeves form a substantially continuous, flush top molding surface with the first and second sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Garry Zydron
  • Publication number: 20110192233
    Abstract: A method of forming a nanostructured surface, the method comprising including providing an original nanostructured surface having an array of high aspect ratio structures formed on a planar substrate; forming a negative replica mold of the original nanostructured surface, wherein the negative replica mold comprises a flexible material; deforming the negative replica mold; and using the deformed negative replica mold to form a deformed replica of the original nanostructured surface, wherein the deforming step is performed at least one of before, during, or after introducing a material for forming the deformed replica into the negative replica mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Joanna Aizenberg, Boaz Pokroy
  • Patent number: 7981347
    Abstract: A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. When subjected to pressure by a pushrod the prongs of the carrier mold flex to substantially or partially open one end of the carrier mold. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Wade Monroe Hubbard, Jr., Kevin Charles Strong, Michael John Mers-Kelly, Daniel Raymond Wiegele
  • Patent number: 7976760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a structure made up of at least two bodies in a cavity of a mold defining the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Marcus Gaudoin
  • Patent number: 7968032
    Abstract: Joint assemblies for joining sheaths for use in medical devices are provided, as are methods of manufacturing the joint assemblies. An elongate first sheath has a distal end portion having melt bonding material. A second sheath has first and second end portions, the second end portion having melt bonding material. An outer sleeve body includes proximal and distal engaging portions that have melt bonding materials. The proximal engaging portion is disposed about and melt bonded to the first sheath distal end portion. The distal engaging portion is disposed about and melt bonded to the second sheath proximal end portion. In one embodiment, one or both sheaths have an inner layer, a coiled middle layer optionally stopping short of the joint assembly, and an outer layer that has said melt bonding materials. In one embodiment, the sheaths are used in a rapid insertion catheter delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Dharmendra Pal
  • Publication number: 20110147994
    Abstract: A method of making an aircraft component is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a mould (1) for the receipt of a material (3) from which the aircraft component is to be made providing the mould with said material providing an intensification tool (14) in spaced relationship to the mould and heating the material, tool and mould so that the tool expands and applies pressure to the material and so as to form the component and wherein the linear coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a first direction is matched to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the first direction, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a second direction is greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the second direction, the tool being provided with at least one contacting surface for contacting the material and through which pressure is applied to the material, the expansion of the tool in the second direction causing the at least one co
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Airbus UK Limited
    Inventors: Simon Astwood, Steven Evans
  • Publication number: 20110131717
    Abstract: Lavatory pans (2) are disclosed comprising an outlet (8) for discharging water into the pan and a passage (20) for supplying water to the outlet, the passage comprising a main portion (22) and an outlet portion (24) which is curved and has a pre-determined downward component of curvature from the main portion to the outlet. The outlet is situated below the main portion of the passage. Also disclosed are processes for producing the lavatory pans and moulding tools for use in the processes. The pans of the invention are particularly useful for secure institutions, are anti-ligature and exhibit a high flush rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: WALLGATE LIMITED
    Inventor: David Beale
  • Patent number: 7939009
    Abstract: The preform is formed by an upper neck which maintains unchanged its form in the final object and a hollow body, joined to the neck. The method foresees the insertion, within a matrix cavity, of a metered body of polymeric material whose mass is metered according to a reference value, and the subsequent pressure insertion of a punch within the matrix cavity until it closes the mold's molding chamber, the punch conferring the shape to the inner surface of the preform and the matrix having an inner surface which confers the shape to the outer surface of the preform. According to the invention, in the molding of the preform, the error of the mass of the metered body with respect to the reference value is distributed in the hollow body, which undergoes a subsequent hot deformation until it achieves the final shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa
    Inventors: Alessandro Balboni, Fiorenzo Parrinello, Zeno Zuffa
  • Patent number: 7935290
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making swaged lighting holes (1) in planar areas of parts (5) made of preimpregnated composite, by means of which the part (5) is arranged between a female tooling (11) with the final shape of the bottom side of the swaged part and a caul plate (19) with the final shape of the top side of the swaged part, except in an area (3) which must be swaged, pressure P1 is applied on the caul plate (19) in the area of the part (5) that must be maintained substantially planar, and pressure P2 is applied by means of a male tooling (17) on the area (3) of the part (5) which must be swaged at a forward speed allowing the flow of the resin during the slippage of the fibers of the material so that it may deform, adapting to the final shape of the female tooling (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Espana, S.L.
    Inventors: David Cano Cediel, Jose Manuel Menendez Martin, Augusto Perez Pastor, Antonio Duran Quiroga, Pedro Nogueroles Vines
  • Patent number: 7931839
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structure using a single, hollow primary tube, preferably of a composite material, wherein ports are bonded to the walls of the hollow tube through aligned holes on opposite sides of the hollow tube. The ports improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics, and aesthetics of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Prince Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Davis, Mauro Pezzato, Mauro Pinaffo, Roberto Gazzara, Michele Pozzobon
  • Patent number: 7922957
    Abstract: A method of making an aircraft component is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a mould (1) for the receipt of a material (3) from which the aircraft component is to be made providing the mould with said material providing an intensification tool (14) in spaced relationship to the mould and heating the material, tool and mould so that the tool expands and applies pressure to the material and so as to form the component and wherein the linear coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a first direction is matched to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the first direction, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the tool in a second direction is greater than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the component in the second direction, the tool being provided with at least one contacting surface for contacting the material and through which pressure is applied to the material, the expansion of the tool in the second direction causing the at least one cont
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus UK Limited
    Inventors: Simon Astwood, Steven Evans
  • Publication number: 20110074066
    Abstract: A demolding apparatus for removing molded building products from a mold has a conveyor assembly to advance the mold in a machine direction. A removal mechanism contacts a dislodged portion of the molded building product and applies a dislodging force to the dislodged portion of the molded building product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Verhoff, Richard Smith, James S. Belt, David P. Aschenbeck, Thomas P. Copeland
  • Patent number: 7910038
    Abstract: A method for making a preform includes creating a pressure differential between an inside and an outside of a perforated shape memory polymer mandrel in its temporary shape. The pressure differential is such that pressure outside the perforated shape memory polymer mandrel is greater than pressure inside the perforated shape memory polymer mandrel. The perforated shape memory polymer mandrel has i) a predetermined preform shape as the temporary shape and ii) a shrunken shape as its permanent shape, wherein the shrunken shape is configured such that it is removable from the predetermined preform shape. The method further includes depositing, as the pressure differential is maintained, at least one material onto a surface of the perforated shape memory polymer mandrel. The at least one material is set in the predetermined preform shape, thereby forming the preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hamid G. Kia, Ingrid A. Rousseau, Elisabeth J. Berger, John N. Owens
  • Patent number: 7910041
    Abstract: A method for building a three-dimensional object, the method comprising extruding a build material having a temperature profile between a surface and a central region of the extruded build material in which the surface has a higher temperature than the central region of the build material. The build material comprises a carrier material and nanofibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Priedeman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7906058
    Abstract: A method for spreading a conformable material between a substrate and a template having a mold. The method comprises positioning the mold to be in superimposition with the substrate defining a volume therebetween. A first sub-portion of the volume is charged with the conformable material through capillary action between the conformable material and one of the mold and the substrate. A second sub-portion of the volume is filled with the conformable material by creating a deformation in the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahadevan GanapathiSubramanian, Byung-Jin Choi, Michael N. Miller, Nicholas A. Stacey, Michael P. C. Watts
  • Publication number: 20110049736
    Abstract: Injection molding of a part having a nonuniform thickness is provided. One disclosed embodiment of an injection molding device includes one or more side walls, a first mold surface intersecting the side walls and being stationary with respect to the side walls, and a second mold surface intersecting the side walls so as to define with the side walls and the first mold surface a cavity configured to receive a metered amount of injected molten thermoplastic material. The second mold surface is moveable toward the first mold surface in such a manner that a first end of the second mold surface moves a larger physical travel distance toward the first mold surface than does a second end of the second mold surface during a molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kurt Allen Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7897091
    Abstract: The method comprises differentiated separation of the strips holding the silicone cores with respect to the honeycomb produced, by simply curving one of the strips corresponding to one of the faces of the honeycomb and by progressive action of pulsed magnetic fields in the other of the strips holding the silicone cores, progressively separating the honeycomb and preventing breakages in the walls of the same. In a device equipped with an alignment of electromagnets which act on the strip bearing the elastic cores to be separated and which exert an action of pulsed magnetic fields on the same, progressively separating the strip from the honeycomb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Breat, S.L.
    Inventor: Carlos Ferrer Vidal
  • Patent number: 7887734
    Abstract: A polymer is formed into the shape of a one-piece composite part and then solidified by curing, setting, hardening or otherwise solidifying the polymer to form a shaped polymer form having a shape that does not draw. Composite material is laid up on the form and solidified to from the composite part. The rigidity required of the form to lay up the composite part can be provided by operating in the polymer form's glassy state, forming the shaped polymer form with a hollow core and placing a rigid insert designed to draw inside the hollow core with the polymer form in its elastomeric state or through a combination of both. In its elastomeric state the form becomes pliable (without relaxing to a different memorized shape) and can be drawn out of the one-piece composite part. Because the shape of the form does not draw, the form deforms as it is drawn. If used, the rigid insert is drawn out prior to removing the shaped polymer form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Terry M. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 7871555
    Abstract: A method for producing a profiled bead made of a plastic, particularly of a polymer, on a piece, particularly on a window pane. In the method at least a partial portion of an edge region or lateral face region of a surface of the piece is brought into contact with a forming face. The plastic is deposited stuck to at least part of the periphery of a surface of the piece untouched by the forming face and the external dimensions of the profiled bead formed are also defined by the forming face. The forming face is pressed against the edge region or lateral face region of the fixed piece using a flat support, the shape of which can vary under the pressure of a fluid. This then gives a better matching of the forming face to the contour and to any dimensional discrepancies of the piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Thomas Orten, Thomas Bischof, Gerd Cornils
  • Patent number: 7866281
    Abstract: A treatball for storing and dispensing pet treats has an elastic body and is restorably compressible in response to an external force applied to the body and has a plurality of spaced-apart internal baffles. A method of making the treatball includes providing an internal mold, introducing an elastomeric material onto the internal mold, molding the elastomeric material into a shape that is representative of the treatball, and extracting the internal mold through an opening in the treatball. Therein, the elastomeric material has sufficient hot tear resistance to allow the internal mold to be extracted through the opening of the treatball without tearing the treatball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: J. W. Pet Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Willinger
  • Patent number: 7867423
    Abstract: Powder metallurgy techniques are utilised to form components and in particular titanium components in moulds. By the nature of the powder forming process, closed surfaces are created in the powder formed component, particularly when hot iso-static pressing techniques are utilised. In order to create surface texturing, and in particular entrant features, a mould lining is associated such that it reciprocates the shape of an underlying mould. The mould lining incorporates surface discontinuities such as holes, slots, spots or folds which result, once the moulded material is formed, in entrant features which can be utilised to enhance bonding through adhesives or other surface features beneficial to a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Ewan Fergus Thompson
  • Patent number: 7867429
    Abstract: A process is provided for bending a board in synthetic material filled with more than 20% by weight of alumina trihydrate in a methyl methacrylate matrix: a section of the board is heated so that it can be bent; the section to be bent is bent while holding the convex upper surface of the board such that it does not become elongated. Also provided are a device for implementing such a process, and a bent board obtained by such a process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Crea Diffusion
    Inventor: Francois Provence
  • Publication number: 20100323184
    Abstract: Articles and methods of making an articles having at least one convexity or at least one concavity are described. A first article having at least one concavity is prepared using a molding surface that includes at least one gas bubble. A second article having at least one convexity is prepared using the first article as a mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Atsushi Toyota, Shoichi Masuda
  • Patent number: 7854874
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for forming a composite part are provided. A method for forming a composite part may include placing initial composite material on a base tool, placing a tooling mandrel on the composite material, placing additional composite material over the tooling mandrel, covering at least a portion of the composite material that overlays the tooling mandrel with a composite forming tool, heating the composite material to at least partially cure the composite material, and permitting a first portion of the composite forming tool to change size during the heating of the composite material to a greater degree than a second portion of the composite forming tool. In this regard, the second portion of the composite forming tool is closer to the base tool than the first portion of the composite forming tool. A composite forming tool is also provided that permits differential expansion of different portions of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Martin, Keith Rupel, Philip O. Chrissos, Neal A. Froeschner, Ronald J. Byington, Karen M. Jost, Jimmy S. Piszar
  • Publication number: 20100310814
    Abstract: A method for producing a flexible, three-dimensional coating structure with a surface curvature on the front side and an impression on the rear side for a flexible switch or a flexible user interface. The method is essentially characterized by the following steps: introducing an uncured, transparent casting compound into a compression mould with an impression that forms the shaping of a surface curvature; introducing a counterpunch that penetrates at least partially into the impression, so that the casting compound is distributed in the gap between the shaping of the surface curvature of the compression mould and the surface of the counterpunch and fills this gap; introducing energy into the casting compound, so that the casting compound cures to form a substantially self-supporting, flexible, transparent surface layer with a surface curvature on the front side and an impression on the rear side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ABATEK INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Björn Thielcke, Christoph Keist, Stefan Birrer
  • Publication number: 20100301520
    Abstract: The article and corresponding method include a casting fixture for a part of a skin formulation applicator which is otherwise difficult to cast. The casting fixture includes a central cup section and two opposing tear-away sections. A rigid base portion of an applicator tip assembly is mounted into an upper rim of the cup section and liquid silicone material is poured into the volume defined in the cup section portion beneath the base portion. The silicone cures and bonds to extending elements from the base portion, providing a firm connection between the cast tip portion and the base portion. When the combined part is ready for use, the tear-away sections are removed by the user, which results in an easy ejection of the part, which can then be installed by the user in the formulation applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Pacific Bioscience Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Reishus, Gregory W. Herlin, Kenneth A. Pilcher
  • Patent number: 7841852
    Abstract: A demolding apparatus for removing molded building products from a mold has a conveyor assembly to advance the mold in a machine direction. A removal mechanism contacts a dislodged portion of the molded building product and applies a dislodging force to the dislodged portion of the molded building product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Verhoff, Richard Smith, James S. Belt, David P. Aschenbeck, Thomas P. Copeland
  • Patent number: 7837919
    Abstract: An open cell or highly porous woven composite truss utilizes fibers of carbon, glass, ceramic, or the like that are woven together in a loom. The warps or tow are woven with the wefts, while the fibers are impregnated with resin. The resin impregnation step may be performed before or after the weaving step. The truss is then cured on the loom and later may be machined as needed. A rigid foam material may be used to stabilize the shape of the truss prior to curing and while machining. The foam may be later chemically dissolved or otherwise disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Slade H. Gardner, Brian T. Rosenberger
  • Patent number: 7833453
    Abstract: Process for producing an injected article to which a flocked decoration is applied that includes the production of a flocked substrate (11) based on a temporary substrate (1) covered by a temporary adhesive (2) that keeps the flock fibers (3) in place, positioning of the flocked substrate in an injection mold of the article to be produced, injection of a polymer (12) being melted in the closed mold through an injection opening (4), removal of the injected article from the mold and the peeling off of the temporary substrate (1) and the temporary adhesive (2) from the injected article, characterized in that the flocked substrate (11) is positioned in the mold so that the flock fibers (3) are oriented toward the interior of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Societe d'Enduction et de Flockage
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lion, Pierre Marie Congard
  • Patent number: 7824171
    Abstract: An inflatable compaction tool for consolidating a composite material inside a faceted hollow or tubular mold for a composite part is made from an elastic material. The compaction tool includes relatively flat wall segments conjoined by corner segments that define a sealed chamber. The wall segments curve away from the mold surface toward the midpoint of each wall segment, so that as a pressurized fluid is introduced into the compaction tool, a component of the force exerted on the tool interior surface is transmitted through the wall segments toward the corner segments. Thus, during initial inflation, the corner segments are forced toward the corner regions of the mold before the wall segments contact the composite material, firmly compressing the composite material into the corner regions of the mold before the friction of the wall segments against the composite material inhibits expansion of the corner segments into the mold corner regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven F. Hanson, Amitabh Vyas
  • Patent number: 7815834
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a mold or mold face includes a container having at least one opening. The apparatus also includes a flexible membrane that is retained to the container that extends across the opening of the container. The apparatus for making a mold further includes support media that is disposed within the container along with a vacuum valve that is connected to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark L. Younie, David E. Gideon, Eugene A. Jackson, David A. Vaughan, Michael Kuntz
  • Patent number: 7811500
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least a portion of a sports racquet frame that comprises a step a) of providing a moldable tube structure containing a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder. The first and second inflatable bladders are positioned on opposite first and second regions of the moldable tube structure. At an intermediate region, the tube structure comprises one or more cross channels, which pass through the moldable tube structure. The method according to the present invention comprises also a further step b) of inserting said tube structure inside a mold forming a mold cavity of a desired shape. Mold members are inserted into the cross channels of the tube structure, so that the outer surface of the mold member faces the inner surface of the corresponding cross channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Prince Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto Gazzara, Mauro Pinaffo, Michele Pozzobon, Mauro Pezzato
  • Patent number: 7811486
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing hardenable dental articles, packaged hardenable dental articles, and methods of packaging hardenable dental articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the manufacturing may involve molding a hardenable dental material in a mold cavity that may be lined with a mold liner. The mold body may also form the package of the hardenable dental article formed within the mold cavity. In other embodiments, the hardenable dental articles may be provided in mold cavities located in sacrificial mold bodies that may be torn, stretched, softened, dissolved, etc. to release the hardenable dental articles in the mold cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Naimul Karim, Darin J. Meyertholen, Robert M. Biegler, Kevin M. Cummings, Lance C. Gore, James R. Kvitrud, Robert W. Peterson, Daniel T. Scott
  • Publication number: 20100252957
    Abstract: A method of compacting material such as but not limited to cathode material for electrochemical cells. A mixture is inserted into a die cavity and the mixture is compacted into a disk shape by the action of a first plunger pressing down on the material and a second plunger pressing upwardly on the material. Flashing of material during ejection of the disk from the die is prevented by fitting a polymeric sleeve around the outer surface of the first plunger. The sleeve flexes to bulge outwardly and does not enter the die cavity during compaction of material and returns to its original position during ejection of the compacted disk from the die. Contact between the disk and sleeve prevents flashing during ejection. Alternatively, a polymeric seal ring is placed around the outer surface of the first plunger. The disk presses against the seal ring preventing flashing of material during ejection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Albert A. Andrews, Robert D. Freeman, Otis Neil Taylor, David Leon Watson, Eric V. Ball