Miscellaneous Patents (Class 264/349)
  • Publication number: 20020175440
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sintered body is provided. A molding powder, a gel-forming material powder and a solvent are mixed at a temperature not higher than a dissolving point of the gel-forming material. A treatment of pulverizing agglomerates containing the molding powder, gel-forming material powder and solvent absorbed in the gel-forming material powder is carried out. The mixture is then heated to a temperature not lower than the dissolving point thereby forming a sol. The sol is then cooled to a temperature not higher than the gel point, thereby forming a molding material. The molding material is used for producing a sintering body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Bessho, Hiroyuki Shindo
  • Publication number: 20020145223
    Abstract: A method of making a feedstock for injection molding, including the steps of: mixing at a temperature of at least 100° C. polymeric materials having a thermal conductivity in the range of 0.001 to 0.01 cal/cm-sec-° C. wherein the polymeric materials are selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polystyrene, polyester, and polycarbonate or combinations thereof, and one or more materials selected from the group consisting of ceramics, ceramic composites, metals and metal alloys in a blended relationship to form a viscous phase mixture, the materials in the viscous phase mixture being selected so that when in a solid phase it has a density greater than 4 grams/cc and a thermal conductivity greater than 0.101 cal/cm-sec-° C. and; cooling the blended viscous phase mixture to form the feedstock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Syamal K. Ghosh, Dilip Chatterjee, Donn B. Carlton
  • Publication number: 20020134738
    Abstract: In melting thermoplastic material, particularly in the form of strip-like or fibrous refuse, where the material is melted through contact with a liquid heat-transfer medium and is then separated from the heat-transfer medium, and to assure a high degree of effectiveness and to maintain a high level of quality in the molten material, it is provided that steam at a temperature distinctly higher than the melting temperature of the material is used as a heat-transfer medium and is conducted over the introduced material, the molten or at least semi-molten material is entrained by the flowing steam and is then separated from the steam at a temperature lying above the melting temperature of the material, and the steam is returned to the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Gennady Volokitin, Viktor Gapeev, Serguey Zotov
  • Publication number: 20020113333
    Abstract: Materials ranging from impact-modified thermoplastics to thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) can be obtained from blends of phase compatibility-treated recycled thermoset rubber with thermoplastic polymers by varying the ratio of components in the blend, or by changing the components themselves. The rubber component may include carbon black, or other fillers and additives, and it may be selected from among a variety of thermoset rubbers, both natural and synthetic. The thermoset rubber component can be obtained from a rubber material recycled according to a variety of known techniques. The thermoplastic component can be virtually any suitable polymer, the properties of which can be advantageously modified by combination with a rubber. Polyolefins are among the more preferred thermoplastic components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Helen S. Liu, Joey L. Mead, Ross G. Stacer
  • Publication number: 20020109270
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for custom blending and fabricating lipstick to the specific demands of individual customers. The present invention provides a kit which enables a user to blend various pigments to arrive at a very specific shade, and then blend the desired shade with a specific base to result in a desired consistency of lipstick, and which also allows the blended bases and pigments to be heated to a liquefied form and poured into a mold for hardening. Upon cooling and hardening, a conventional lipstick case can be attached to the lipstick for removal from the mold and use by the customer. The present invention therefore not only allows a user to quickly attain the specific shade and consistency of lipstick desired, but also eliminates the time consuming and unsatisfactory process of visiting multiple stores having expansive inventories of variously shaded and textured lipsticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Graf Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Mary Swaab
  • Publication number: 20020105113
    Abstract: A mixer method and apparatus for use generally in injection molding machines is provided. The apparatus and method is generally comprised of a mixer insert that retains a mixing element that is sealingly inserted in the injection molding machine, for example a hot runner manifold. The mixing element reduces the melt imbalances in a flowing melt stream for the formation of improved molded parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Corin A. Wright, Abdeslam Bouti, Paul R. Blais
  • Publication number: 20020105108
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing extrudable/melt spinnable concentrate pellets which contain phase change materials (PCMs), whether the PCMs are micro-encapsulated absorbed into carrier polymers, or non-micro-encapsulated within the concentrate pellets. The polymer matrix within the concentrate pellets can be any thermoplastic polymer or combination of thermoplastic polymers, and the concentrate pellets can then be blended into similar thermoplastic polymers to form mono-filament melt spun fibers, extruded films, injection molded products, etc., or the concentrate pellets can be blended with other thermoplastic polymers to form bi-component or multi-component melt spun fibers, extruded films, injection molded products, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Henry Hartmann, Monte Christopher Magill
  • Patent number: 6419864
    Abstract: A method of preparing filled, modified and fiber reinforced thermoplastics is distinguished by the fact that polymer as matrix material together with blend polymer is fed to a twin screw extruder in a single manufacturing process, filler being supplied through a feeder device after the melting. Then fiber rovings are fed in and cut into long fiber sections in a fiber incorporation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Krupp Werner & Pfleiderer GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Scheuring, Erwin Häring, Daniel Schwendemann
  • Publication number: 20020084549
    Abstract: A method of making a non-polluting product includes the steps of: (a) obtaining an agricultural fibrous waste material; (b) drying the fibrous waste material; (c) grinding the fibrous waste material to form a powder; (d) mixing the powder with a binder in a mixer to form a mixture, the binder including polyglycol, cellulose and formaldehyde; and (e) forming the mixture into the product. The product produced by the method is a non-polluting inexpensive product since agricultural waste, which is recycled, can decompose naturally without leaving any toxic residue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Kuo-Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 6414054
    Abstract: High levels of treated fumed silica, processing fluid and high molecular weight silicone polymer are continuously compounded into a homogeneous silica filled heat-vulcanizable silicone composition by forming a premix in a continuous annular layer mixer and continuously discharging the premix into a compounding apparatus for compounding to form the filled heat-vulcanizable silicone composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jodi Boffard, Navjot Singh, Alan L. Tate, Robert Dean
  • Publication number: 20020074681
    Abstract: Stable dispersions of solid, semi-solid, and liquid resins can be prepared by merging into a mechanical disperser a stream of a molten or liquid disperse phase with a stream of a molten or liquid continuous phase to form a dispersion or emulsion. A polymer that is preferably a solid at room temperature, but molten at some advanced temperature may be dispersed with low molecular weight polymers, or intermediate molecular weight polymers continuously in an extruder. A low polydispersity powder-slurry curable coating composition having volume average particle sizes of less than 10 &mgr;m may be prepared by the method of the present invention. Pigmentation of a powder-slurry coating composition is conveniently accomplished by adding pigment to the melted polymer, or to the continuous phase, or to the dispersion after the continuous phase is merged with the disperse phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Allen Lundgard, Robert D. Mussell, Michael Anthony Jackson
  • Publication number: 20020066814
    Abstract: A rubber waste disposal apparatus processing rubber waste such as an old tire efficiently includes a casing, a rubber waste deformation unit provided in the casing to subject rubber waste to deformation, and an ozone-containing gas supply unit supplying ozone-containing gas into the casing. The rubber waste deformation unit includes a pair of cylindrical rollers having a plurality of protrusions projecting outwards, capable of sandwiching rubber waste at the gap therebetween, and a distance setting unit that can set the distance of the gap between the cylindrical rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Nishioka, Kiyoshige Muraoka, Jun Nishibayashi
  • Publication number: 20020061583
    Abstract: Disclosed is a biodegradable composition characterized by compounding yeast (A) and biodegradable plastic (B) at a particular proportion. The purpose is to provide a biodegradable composition having very good biodegradability and additional fertilizer effect, making good use of the characteristics of yeast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: NIPPON PAPER INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masanobu Kawamura, Eiji Nishijima, Masahiko Tabata, Makoto Arai
  • Patent number: 6388001
    Abstract: High levels of silica, processing fluid and high molecular weight silicone polymer are compounded into a homogeneous silica filled composition without forming a preconcentrate of fumed silica and polymer. A fumed silica is fed into a unitary continuous compounding apparatus at a first location prior to addition of the silicone polymer. The fumed silica is then compounded with the silicone polymer, which is fed into the compounding apparatus at a location down-stream in the compounding apparatus from the first location. The compounding apparatus can be a co-rotating, intermeshing double screw extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Norberto Silvi, Mark Howard Giammattei
  • Publication number: 20020053753
    Abstract: A method for the production of a multiple phase composite material, wherein the composite material includes a major phase component and at least one minor phase component. The major and minor phase components are arranged in a desired predefined morphological structure in which the major phase component and the minor phase components have predefined size and shape characteristics. The method involves supplying the major phase component to a chaotic mixer (10) in a controlled manner and supplying the minor phase components to the chaotic mixer (10) in a controlled manner. Within the chaotic mixer (10) the major phase component and minor phase components undergo mixing according to controlled parameters to controllably and progressively develop predefined desired morphologies. Resulting structures are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: David A. Zumbrunnen, Ojin Kwon
  • Publication number: 20020047226
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing an extruded plastic product, the apparatus comprising at least one rotor (1) and at least one stator (2, 3) 4 with a feed gap (4) provided between them, a groove (7) being situated on the other side of the feed gap (4), the groove pressing the material to be extruded out of the apparatus when the rotor (1) is rotated. The cross section of the groove (7) remains substantially unchanged. At the opposite side of the feed gap (4) there is positioned a countergroove (8) in such a way that a processing cavity consisting of the grooves (7), the countergrooves (8) and the clearance between 6 them decreases at least partially continuously along 5 the axis of the extruder. The deformation energy of the material can thus be kept as small as possible due to the unchanging cross section of the groove (7), and the material stays in the groove (7) due to the placement of the flights (7a, 8a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: UPONOR INNOVATION AB
    Inventors: Jyri Jarvenkyla, Kari Kirjavainen, Michael Sjoberg
  • Patent number: 6375881
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of fiber-reinforced plastic molding includes (1) shortening the fibers to a length of less than 30 mm; (2) introducing the fibers and the plastics present in the solid state, separately from one another, into a mixing chamber of a die press, wherein the plastic is in particulate form; (3) thoroughly mixing the plastic and fibers to give a solids mixture; (4) transporting the solids mixture through die orifices of the die press; (5) heating the solids mixture in the zone before or in the orifices of the die; (6) enclosing at least part or partly embedding the fibers by the plastic during or after the heating of the solids mixture; and (7) comminuting the granulated material for subsequent molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Foelster, Ralph Greiner, Dirk Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6350400
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing plasticized thermoplastic products, in particular flexible PVC, by means of an extruder wherein a thermoplastic processed with plasticizer to give a dry blend and a plasticizer are combined and heated to form the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: HT Troplast AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Piotrowski
  • Publication number: 20020014716
    Abstract: A method of producing fiber having functional mineral powders comprises the steps of a first pulverizing functional mineral which crystal form of is pinacoid, a second closely pulverizing the first pulverized functional mineral powders to be less than ⅓ granularity of desired fineness, mixing and synthesizing 0.1-10 weight % of the second pulverized functional mineral powders and 90-99.9 weight % of a chemical resin, and spinning the mixture of functional mineral powders and the chemical resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Mi Soo Seok
  • Patent number: 6340439
    Abstract: A motor-driven injection molding machine comprises an injection device which includes a heating cylinder for heating resin powder therein to melt the resin powder into molten resin and a screw disposed in the heading cylinder for feeding the molten resin in the heating cylinder forward to meter the molten resin. A controller positions, in response to a position detected signal detected by a position detector, the screw at a metering position using an injection servomotor on and immediately after completion of the plasticization and metering process. In addition, the controller rotates, in response to a pressure detected signal detected by a load cell, the screw in the opposite direction using a screw-rotation servomotor on and immediately after the completion of said plasticization and metering process to carry out depressurization of the molten resin in the heating cylinder that is metered ahead of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 6337041
    Abstract: A method is used to make a vulcanized elastomer capable of combining with Polyurethane to form a product without the use of an adhesive. The method includes the formation of the mixture of an vulcanizable elastomer. The mixture is stabilized in a nitrogen-containing chamber before the mixture is vulcanized. The vulcanized elastomer is formed in a molding tool and is subsequently degreased with a liquid containing a non-ionic interfacial agent. The degreased elastomer is dried by baking before being coated with the acetoacetate solution containing chloro cyanuric acid. The coated elastomer is dried again by baking before being stabilized in a dustproof environment for 48 hours. Upon completion of the dustproof stabilization, the elastomer is ready for combining with Polyurethane without the help of an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Chih-Hsiung Kuo
  • Patent number: 6337046
    Abstract: The present invention relates to new polyester compositions, novel processes to prepare molded articles from these new polyester compositions, and novel containers fabricated from polyester/clay composites for food and beverages. The processing methods employed in this invention enable containers to be formed which exhibit excellent clarity. Specifically, the present invention relates to a process comprising forming a parison from a composite composition comprising about 0.01 to about 25 weight % platelet particles dispersed in at least one polyester at a processing temperature which is at least 50° above the Tg of said polyester; and molding said parison into a clear, thin walled article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Shriram Bagrodia, John Walker Gilmer, Kab Sik Seo, Sam Richard Turner
  • Patent number: 6328919
    Abstract: A process for reducing polymer surging, lowering pressure and temperature fluctuations, and reducing polymer degradation while providing good overall throughput rate when plasticating and extruding low bulk density polycarbonate materials. The process involves a two-stage extrusion screw having a feed section with a constant channel depth of at least about 12 percent of the screw diameter and a transition section having a compression ratio of at least about 3:1. Thermoplastic low bulk density polycarbonate materials are extruded through a die in the shape of sheets, profiles, or films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Hoang T. Pham, Richard O. Kirk, Paul D. Haemhouts
  • Publication number: 20010045682
    Abstract: A process for producing an article of resin made from at least about 50% by weight of methyl methacrylate is provided, which comprises a step of melt-processing the resin with an extruder, wherein an oxygen concentration of a gaseous phase in a resin feed zone of the extruder falls within a range of from about 0.7% by volume to about 10% by volume. The article is excellent in curbing the coloring in melt processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Tomohiro Maekawa, Kenji Manabe
  • Patent number: 6312639
    Abstract: Processing aids comprising amorphous particulate silicates containing from about 2% to about 50% water, are utilized in processes for compounding thermoplastic resins, allowing higher levels of additives to be more effectively incorporated into the thermoplastic resins. The processing aids allow greater dispersion of pigments and other additives in compounded thermoplastic resins and concentrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Cylatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond T. Ertle, Raymond J. Ertle
  • Patent number: 6306319
    Abstract: The method uses color to determine the wear of the screw and barrel of the molding machine. The method measures the color and/or color variation to determine the wear. A first material of a first color and a second material of a second color are fed into the machine to create a third material with a third color. The third material is either extruded to form a part or is injected into a mold to form a part. The color of the part is then measured with a measuring device, such as, spectrophotometer. The color will change as the screw and barrel wear. The color value would then be compared with previous color values to determine the amount of wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Chroma Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Swain, Ralph A. Stanziola
  • Publication number: 20010030376
    Abstract: Molding material consisting of resin coated reinforcing fibers in a molten mass of resin and fibers is prepared at a molding site for controlled supply to a molding machine. A conveying device, such as a pair of pinch rollers, serves to pull fibers from supply spools through guide orifices of a coating die having a chamber within which the fiber is coated with molten resin. Further impregnation of the fibers with resin takes place in the conveying device, which also develops pressure on its output side serving to push the mass of hot resin and fiber into a receiving device for movement to a molding machine. The receiving device may be the feed screw for an injection molding machine or simply a plate movable to and from a compression molding machine. The fibers may be cut into predetermined lengths by a cutting device positioned downstream of the aforesaid conveying device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald C. Hawley
  • Publication number: 20010026875
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a preform for a plastic optical fiber, having continuous refractive index profile in a radial direction, comprising a firs step of introducing a mixture consisting of at least two substances, each having a different density and refractive index relative to each other, to a cylindrical reactor and polymerizing the mixture in a centrifugal field generated by rotating the reactor; a second step of compensating for a void formed by volume shrinkage from the polymerization in the first step with a mixture consisting of at least two substances, each having a different density and refractive index relative to each other, and polymerizing the mixture in a centrifugal field generated by rotating the reactor, and a third step of repeating the second step until there is no void after polymerization
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Jin Teak Hwang, O Ok Park, Sang Hyuk Im, Duck Jong Suh, Han Sol Cho
  • Patent number: 6284184
    Abstract: A method for laser marking one or more colors on a plastic substrate is disclosed. A polymeric blend or mixture comprising two or more polymeric systems is utilized to produce a molded component. The various polymeric systems are heated to form a polymeric blend or mixture that is in a molten flowable state. The polymeric mixture is then shaped into the desired end product, preferably by injection molding. While molding, the polymeric mixture separates according to the different densities of the polymers; with the lightest density polymers migrating toward the inner surface of the mold and the heavier density polymers centralizing within the interior of the mold. The lightest density polymer forms the outer surface of the molded product, which may essentially constitute an outer layer coating disposed around the other polymeric systems. Upon removal of the cured layered product, the skin layer is then preferably ablated using a laser to expose the polymers of desired color beneath the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp
    Inventors: Jae Hong Choi, Ronald Dale Hernandez
  • Patent number: 6284186
    Abstract: The use of comminuted, recycled glass powders as a filler in molded plastic parts is disclosed. The recycled glass powder has non-uniform, rounded edges and is free from contaminants such as grinding compounds, metals, inorganic, and organic waste materials. The recycled glass powder filler can be used with a variety of different thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics commonly used to in injection molding and blow molding of plastic parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: R & J Hansen, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Richard W. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6284170
    Abstract: The present invention is applicable to an injection molding machine comprising an injection device having a servo motor for use in rotating a screw and a controller for controlling the servo motor. The controller has a rotation speed N previously set therein as a set value for the screw rotation in a metering process. The controller rotates the screw at an acceleration A1 until the rotation speed of the screw reaches a value NK (where NK<N). After that the controller carries out a control operation to rotate the screw at an acceleration A2 until the rotation speed of the screw reaches the value N. The acceleration A2 is higher than the acceleration A1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Hiraoka
  • Publication number: 20010009307
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for molding a part, such as a point-of-purchase display, is shown. The system comprises a plasticator and press. The molded part comprises an in-molded graphics sheet which becomes molded integral with the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: Fredric Louis Abrams, Robert F. Freund
  • Patent number: 6228301
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a simulated wood product utilizing pulverized powders obtained from recycled building members as raw material, in which the building members have recycled wooden members made of wooden materials and resinous members made of resinous materials, the manufacturing method further including a mixing process for mixing the recycled wooden members, a pulverization process for pulverizing the mixed materials obtained in the mixing process to form pulverized powder, a kneading process for kneading the pulverized powders obtained by the pulverizing process, and a molding process for molding the kneaded materials obtained in the kneading process either by an extrusion or injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Misawa Homes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenori Taguchi, Keishiro Umemura
  • Patent number: 6228308
    Abstract: A screw adapted for plasticizing a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin wherein screw lead (distance of the resin advancement in the direction of the axis per 1 revolution of the screw when it is postulated that the screw channel is 100% filled with the resin) of the screw in its compression section decreases in the direction toward the forward end of the screw. A plasticizing apparatus wherein such screw is mounted. A method for molding a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin by using such an apparatus. A molded article produced by such molding method. In the present invention, shear force of sufficient level can be obtained to avoid the formation of clumps while breakage of the reinforcing fibers is avoided to leave long fibers in the molded article. The resulting molded article has excellent mechanical properties, and such article is quite useful as a material for use in automobile parts and other parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignees: Kawasaki Steel Corporation, Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Uehara, Shigeru Takano, Yoshikazu Asano, Masanori Amano
  • Patent number: 6224796
    Abstract: Processes for the batch production of rubber-based compositions capable of being shaped and shaped articles made thereof. They include a step of high intensity mixing cured rubber particles with other selected compounds into a closed mixing chamber provided on a high intensity mixer including a central shaft having mixing blades. Through high speed rotation of the shaft, blade tip speed above about 20 meter/s are obtained to intensively mix and thermokinetically heat the batch of mixable material, whose temperature is continuously monitored. Discharge of the batch from the mixing chamber takes place when the temperature is considered to have reached a reference value ensuring a substantially uniform mix of the rubber material and added compounds, to produce the rubber-based composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Centre de Recherche Industrielle du Québec
    Inventors: Daniel Grenier, Sylvain Bilodeau
  • Patent number: 6217804
    Abstract: In a recycling process, granulated plastic material coated with a paint film is melted in an extruder. During extrusion, the paint film is volatilized and removed by vacuum from the melted granulate stream. Additives are admixed with the particulates and any remaining paint film in an extruder. Water is introduced into the melted plastic stream in the extruder to neutralize toxic material levels discharged from the extruder and from the extruded plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: American Commodities, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Lieberman
  • Patent number: 6203747
    Abstract: An injection molding machine includes an injection molding cylinder with a material supply at one end and an injection nozzle at the other end and a material conveyance unit attached to a drive and movable in the injection molding cylinder. The injection molding machine also includes a vibration element for inducing a flow of melt within the injection molding cylinder for homogenizing the melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventor: Otto Grunitz
  • Patent number: 6190601
    Abstract: A method for controlling a screw injecting apparatus having a heating cylinder and a screw slidably and rotatably received in the heating cylinder and designed to carry out a plasticizing-metering phase in which a predetermined amount of a molten material is accumulated forwardly of the screw by plasticizing and kneading a raw molding material via the screw and the heating cylinder, a waiting phase in which the screw is held inactive for a period between completion of the metering and subsequent injection of the molten material, and an injecting phase in which the molten material is injected. The method comprises the step of causing the apparatus to vibrate the molten material at a predetermined low frequency axially of the screw during the plasticizing-metering phase. By vibrating the molten material at a low frequency during the relatively long plasticizing-metering phase, the viscosity of the molten material can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6187237
    Abstract: A method for making a product to be extruded and an extruder. The extruder has at least two conical stators and at least one conical rotor placed rotatably between the stators. The extruder further has supply conduits for feeding the material to be extruded separately into the exterior and interior of the rotor. Each supply conduit is provided with a separately adjustable feeding device by means of which the amount of material flow to be supplied can be adjusted. The degree to which the space between the rotor and the stator is filled and the amount of the heat generated by friction can be regulated. Further, the ratio of the material flows in the different supply conduits determines the ratio of the thickness of the layers obtained. The method and extruder according to the invention make it possible to regulate the properties of a final product easily and in several different ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Nextrom Holding S.A.
    Inventors: Kari Kirjavainen, Jyri Järvenkylä
  • Patent number: 6174358
    Abstract: A method for producing cellulose particles whereby a cellulose solution is dispersed in a regenerant or nonsolvent and the cellulose is regenerated or precipitated in dispersed form into cellulose particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Cellcat GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Oberkofler, Alexander Brandner, Jeffrey F. Spedding, Anton Schmalhofer
  • Patent number: 6149846
    Abstract: A method of mixing first and second molding components in a non-intermeshing twin screw compounder having a discharge opening wherein the first component is added around a first of the two rotating screws at a point remote from the discharge opening, the second component is added around the first screw nearer the discharge opening, vacuum is applied to the mixing components nearer the discharge opening, rotation of the two screws is stopped, and the second screw is axially moved toward the discharge opening to eject mixed components from the compounder and into a female mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventors: Mohammad Saeid Zerafati-Jahromi, David Bigio
  • Patent number: 6146575
    Abstract: An extruder for plasticizing and extruding a material. The extruder is formed from two interfitted orbital scroll members. Material, usually in a solid state, can be fed between the scroll members. As the scroll members are rotated eccentrically with respect to one another, the material is conveyed toward the center of the scroll members within a pocket of ever decreasing volume. This applies shear energy to the material which causes melting. Heaters can be provided in the scroll members to further aid and control the melting. By the time the material reaches the central output, it is in a molten state and can be extruded through an output. A method for extruding, and an injection molding machine using such an extruder to plasticize plastic resin, such as PET, is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: David Robert Huston
  • Patent number: 6136246
    Abstract: A screw extruder (10) having a barrel (18) which has a bore (26) defining an inner surface (44) and one or more extruder screws (28), positioned within the bore (26). The extruder screw or screws (28) include a central shaft (34) and one or more screw flights (30). The extruder screw or screws (28) farther including one or more dispersive mixing elements (204), (234), (308), (406), (508), (558), which interact with the inner surface of the barrel (44) to form one or more progressively narrowing passages (46) through which material is forced into multiple regions of high elongational and shear stress (480, (120), (214), (310), (410), (510), (564).A second preferred embodiment is a screw extruder (10) having a barrel (18) having a bore (26) defining an inner surface (44) and one or more extruder screws (600), (701), positioned within the bore (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Rauwendaal Extrusion Engineering
    Inventors: Chris J. Rauwendaal, Paul J. Gramann, Bruce A. Davis, Tim A. Osswald
  • Patent number: 6126876
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning sand prior to creating a sculpture therewith. The apparatus comprises a flexible sheet having a left side, a right side, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a plurality of hook and loop fasteners on the left side and the right side. The system comprises creating a mold by engaging the fasteners on the left side and the right side, filling the mold with sand to an appropriate level, pouring water into the mold and allowing the water to sift through the sand therein, and replenishing sand drained away by the poured water. The process of pouring water into the mold and replenishing the drained sand is continuously repeated, until no more replenishment is necessary and a solid column of sand is created. The fasteners are then disengaged, and the mold unwrapped to reveal the column of sand, ready for sculpting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Anne T. Demarzo
  • Patent number: 6099775
    Abstract: A thermal and acoustical insulation product prepared from a mixture of fiberglass, scrap nylon of less than 0.25" in length and a thermo-setting resin. The insulation product is in a ductliner or molded form. The fiberglass will generally be in a concentration of from 20 to 80 percent by weight of the product; the nylon will be from 1 to 30 percent by weight of the product; and the thermo-setting resin will be from 5 to 35 percent by weight of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: C.T.A. Acoustics
    Inventors: Matthew Bargo, Edward Koperdak
  • Patent number: 6096248
    Abstract: A method of reducing fouling of a mold caused by vulcanization of a rubber compound in the mold. Pursuant to the method, about 0.2-20 phr of a fouling inhibitor composition comprising starch is added to the rubber compound before the rubber compound is vulcanized in the mold. The fouling inhibitor composition is substantially free of cross-linked fatty acids, asphalt, tackifying resins, and synthetic plasticizers. More molding cycles can be run before the mold is cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Flow Polymers, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron R. Fraser, James W. Hoover
  • Patent number: 6074740
    Abstract: Metallized moldings of polymer mixtures comprise a thermoplastic and a filler. The thermoplastic polymer has a melting point of more than 100.degree. C. and may be selected from the group consisting of fluoropolymers, polyamides, polycarbomates, polyesters, polyimides, liquid crystalline polymers, polymethyl methacrylates, polyphenylene oxides, polysulfones, polyurethanes and silicones. The filler may comprise oxidized polyarylene sulfide polyarylene sulfide, polyimide, aromatic polyester, or polyether ketone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Scheckenbach, Georg Frank
  • Patent number: 6022402
    Abstract: This invention relates to wax formulations comprised of specific poly(oxyalkylenated) colorants having alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA) terminal groups. Preferably the wax formulation is a crayon. Such polymeric ASA-capped colorants provide excellent coloring, decreased migratory properties, and improved balanced burning characteristics over traditional crayon colorants, pigments, and dyestuffs. This invention also concerns methods of making the aforementioned colored crayon formulations as well as other colored wax articles, such as candles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventors: Eugene Kyle Stephenson, Leonard J. Starks
  • Patent number: 6017996
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing of a silicone rubber base composition in a mass-like form, comprises:(A) preparing a freely flowable powdered silicone rubber composition comprising(a) a cross-linkable polydiorganosiloxane with a viscosity of at least 1.times.10.sup.5 mPa.s at 25.degree. C. and(b) an inorganic filler, and(B) continuously kneading and massing the powdered silicone rubber composition in a multiple-stage siding shear-type single-screw extruder.This method provides for continuous preparation of a silicone rubber base compound without the use of a dual-screw mixer-extruder having a large length to diameter ratio, without abrasive wear of screws and cylinders with such inorganic fillers as diatomaceous earth power, quartz or a similar large-grain and hard powders, without blackening of the mixed silicone rubber composition, and without production problems associated with the use of large quantities of fumed silica, sedimentary silica, or a similar reinforcing silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Dow Corning Torray Silicone Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Hamada, Tomoo Kinoshita, Kaoru Kunimatsu
  • Patent number: 6013701
    Abstract: A method for continuous preparation of a high consistency or liquid silicone rubber base does not cause abrasive wear of the extruder screw and of the extruder cylinder or blackening of the silicone rubber base even when the latter is admixed with such fillers as an inorganic filler in the form of a diatomaceous earth powder, quartz or a similar large-grained and hard substance, or with a fumed silica, sedimentary silica, or a similar reinforcing silica filler. The method comprises continuously kneading the following components in a multiple-stage shear type single-screw extruder: (A) a freely-flowable powdered silicone rubber mixture having its main components in the form of (a) a cross-linkable polydiorganosiloxane with a viscosity exceeding 1.times.10.sup.5 mPa.multidot.s at 25.degree. C. and (b) an inorganic filler, and (B) a high consistency silicone rubber base having its main components in the form of (a) a cross-linkable polydiorganosiloxane with a viscosity exceeding 1.times.10.sup.5 mPa.multidot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Kunimatsu, Tomoo Kinoshita, Mitsuo Hamada