Measuring, Testing, Or Inspecting Patents (Class 264/406)
  • Patent number: 5772933
    Abstract: A method for tempering an injection mold wherein in a recurrent cycle, the molten material is introduced under pressure into the mold recess of the injection mold, hardened and removed from the mold. Coolant or heating medium is supplied as a function of the deviation of the measured actual temperature from the desired command temperature. A plurality of flow control valves for the coolant or heating medium are preferably controlled via a measuring sensor. The three-dimensional quantitative distribution of coolant as needed is ascertained empirically or by computer with respect to the particular mold and the runners provided in the mold for the coolant or heating medium, and at least one specific time in the cycle period a comparison is made between the command temperature and the actual temperature of the one measuring sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Werner Kotzab
  • Patent number: 5762839
    Abstract: A temperature control method for an injection molding machine capable of performing stable temperature control at all times irrespective of the heat capacity of an object of temperature control. A temperature of an object of temperature control, such as a heating region of an injection cylinder, an injection nozzle and a mold, is detected by a respective temperature sensor G1-Gn. A feedback control of temperature is performed by a servo CPU (24) so that the detected temperature coincides with a set temperature, to obtain an electric current command value. Further, an actual electric current flowing in each of heaters H1-Hn is detected, and a feedback control of electric current is performed so that the actual current coincides with the current command value obtained by the temperature feedback control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kamiguchi, Noriaki Neko
  • Patent number: 5759456
    Abstract: The method and apparatus can manufacture a plastic sheet of uniform thickness and reduced distortion, by use of metallic molds and in accordance with cast molding polymerization (casting) technique. The plastic sheet manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a plastic sheet by injecting a raw material into a polymerization cell (101) and by polymerizing the injected raw material by heat, includes a pair of first and second molds (104A, 104B) for forming the polymerization cell (101); and first and second heat conductors (102, 103) attached to both outside surfaces of the first and second molds, respectively, so as to be opposed to each other and to sandwich the first and second molds therebetween. Here, in particular, each of the first and second heat conductors is formed with a fluid passage (210) therein to circulate a heated fluid whose temperature is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitomu Watanabe, Makoto Honda
  • Patent number: 5753161
    Abstract: A horizontal vacuum extrusion line includes a fixed bulkhead, a die inside the bulkhead, a telescoping vacuum chamber section and a fixed chamber section. A dam in the fixed section forms a pond for immersion cooling of the extrudate. A truss extends from the dam to the bulkhead supporting, shaping and calibration equipment and extends through the telescoping section. Fluid pressurizable seals at each end of the telescoping section are operable after the telescoping section is closed against the bulkhead and the telescoping and fixed sections are locked together. The telescoping section provide a more compact line and easier access to the complex equipment downstream of the die. The extrudate from the die passes down into the pond and then through an orifice in a hood projecting from the chamber into a lower level portion of the pond exposed to atmosphere. The hood also includes a tractor drive to push the extrudate through the underwater orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodger D. Lightle, Robert L. Sadinski, Robert M. Lincoln
  • Patent number: 5746967
    Abstract: A transparent mold system (TMS) allows rapid and economical production of thermoset fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) and other thermoset resin parts by heating with visible light energy without using an autoclave, photosensitive resins, or ultraviolet (U.V.) sensitive chemical curing agents. Molding times are accelerated to minutes instead of hours, and the molds are made of transparent plastics materials that can be economically produced by injection, casting, vacuum or pressure forming to replace metal molds and laid-up FRP molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Fox Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter S. Hoy, W. Douglas Hoy
  • Patent number: 5744173
    Abstract: The present relates to an apparatus for molding plastic parts which includes a cavity insert and a core insert wherein each insert has an open area on the shell or back side thereof. A device for circulating fluid through each chamber cools the inserts. In one preferred embodiment, the cavity and core inserts are made using a mold having a ceramic formulation including generally uniform size aggregate materials and carbon fibers. In certain embodiments, the apparatus further includes pressure bearing devices for absorbing molding pressure during operation of the molding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Sterett
  • Patent number: 5741531
    Abstract: Apparatus for increasing pasta production and for ensuring a more uniform and quality pasta product which includes heating the die face of a die by positioning on the die face an electric resistance heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Borden, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Gregory Kowalski, Carl Michael Norman, David Brian Bertollini
  • Patent number: 5741449
    Abstract: A cylinder temperature setting method in which the cylinder temperature distribution obtained in the condition setting operation is realized with fidelity, even when the molding operation is performed on injection molding machines which are different from the injection molding machine used for condition setting in the number and/or positions of heat sources arranged on the injection cylinder. A waveform representing the cylinder temperature distribution is obtained from the relationship between the temperatures of respective cylinder portions detected by thermocouples and the positions of the respective thermocouples when a conforming product is molded by a reference injection molding machine. The obtained waveform is stored and reserved in a record medium. The target values for temperature control of respective cylinder portions of another injection molding machine are obtained based on the reserved waveform, thereby realizing the cylinder temperature distribution obtained in the condition setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Masato Yamamura, Tokuhisa Miyauchi, Noriaki Neko, Osamu Fujioka
  • Patent number: 5736080
    Abstract: A program setting method for an injection molding machine control device comprises the steps of a manufacturer previously making and storing unit programs corresponding to a plurality of basic operations, a user selecting desired unit programs to form whole programs and the control device connecting the selected unit programs in a predetermined order before storing the whole programs. By this method, users can readily and simply make and store a desired sequence program for the injection molding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Suganuma
  • Patent number: 5728407
    Abstract: A die for melt-blowing apparatus, which has a die body, a nozzle piece, and a lip plate. The nozzle piece is divided into plural temperature-controlling regions in a direction crosswise to a spinning direction. A temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature at a portion surrounding a nozzle orifice in the nozzle piece in each of the divided temperature-controlling regions. A heated gas is applied directly to the nozzle piece for controlling the temperature of the portion surrounding the nozzle orifice to a predetermined temperature. Using this die body, a melt-blown non-woven fabric with a uniform distribution of the weight per unit area can be easily obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Japan Vilene Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Matsui
  • Patent number: 5720912
    Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature of injection molding machines using cross-linking polymers and molding die units using plastics. Each unit is equipped with at least one cooling channel for circulating a temperature controlling medium therethrough. The temperature of the exhausted medium is compared to a desired value and the circulation of the medium is adjusted accordingly. The method includes the steps of calculating the heat dissipation within a cycle and presetting the desired heat dissipation, prior to the start of temperature control. The temperature of the exhausted medium and the feed medium are continuously measured. The heat content value WRG of the unit is determined once the unit reaches thermal equilibrium. The value WRG is stored in a subsequent cycle as a desired value based on the difference between the temperature of the exhausted medium and the feed medium during a reference cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Kunststofftechnik F. u. H. Riesselmann GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Liehr, Dietmar Hofmann
  • Patent number: 5714109
    Abstract: A method and apparatus which allows blow-molded plastic containers to be manufactured at high rates of production independent of ambient environmental conditions. The method and apparatus eliminate the need to make adjustments to blow-molding oven operating parameters when environmental conditions change and reduce defects such as caused by water spots. The method includes the steps of flowing ambient air over cooling coils to remove moisture, heating the air to a constant pre-determined temperature and delivering the conditioned air to the blow-molding oven. The apparatus includes a variable speed blower which forces ambient air at a predetermined volumetric flow rate over cooling coils and an electric heater to provide the blow molding oven with a constant volumetric flow rate of constant temperature and low humidity air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Diller
  • Patent number: 5709825
    Abstract: A thermoforming process window of a rectangular sheet of a thermoplastic material is determined by calculating its Sag Number during heating. The Sag Number is a function of the sheets length, width and apex depth at the center of sag. Upon the Sag Number being between 10 and 40, preferably 15 and 35, and more preferably 19 and 28, the sheet is ready for forming into an end product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventor: Wayne Ken Shih
  • Patent number: 5695698
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous solid state forming of semicrystalline polymers using roll-drawing is disclosed. The output of an extruded thick polymer profile is stabilized by a gear pump. The profile is passed through a die for the desired geometry and a cooling calibrator. The profile is heat conditioned in heating tunnels to a temperature below the melting point prior to deformation between sets of rolls. A plurality, e.g. four pairs of rolls apply both compression and tension to the polymer profile. The tension applied on the profile, the roll gap, the linear speed of the profile and its temperature are monitored and controlled for the amount of polymer deformation and relaxation allowed. High tensile modulus and strength, both in the longitudinal and transverse direction of the polymeric strip, can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventors: Abdellah Ajji, Michel M. Dumoulin, Jacques Dufour
  • Patent number: 5693277
    Abstract: A novelty candle having flat sides incorporating a plurality of defined shapes located at the outer surface of the flat sides of the candle and a method of making same are provided. The method has the steps of: forming a sheet of wax to a desired thickness; heating the sheet of wax to below the melting temperature of the wax; cutting a plurality of shapes from the heated sheet of wax; arranging the plurality of shapes in a mold having an interior defined by flat sidewalls flush against the flat sidewalls and filling the interior of the mold with wax. In another embodiment, a novelty candle having a tree-like wax ornamentation on the surface thereof and a method of making same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Michael R. Widmer
  • Patent number: 5686219
    Abstract: A toner extruder for the preparation of a toner resin extrudate from a resin is provided. The extruder includes a housing defining a housing aperture and a resin inlet opening in the housing. The extruder also includes a conveyor for conveying the resin through the housing aperture. The extruder further includes a member adjacent the resin inlet opening for inhibiting the heat transfer from the housing and/or the conveyor to the resin at the opening. The flow of resin adjacent the opening is thus improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Fumii Higuchi
  • Patent number: 5683633
    Abstract: The tempering process is divided in two phases, a start-up phase and a stationary operating phase, each having different tempering conditions, whereby the start-up phase is completed after the preset nominal tool temperature has been reached or exceeded for the first time, and the meantool temperature is continuously measured during the entire cycle duration at a precisely defined site, and whereby at time Z.sub.2, the latter being fixed by a signal of the machine sequence control, a cooling medium impulse, the latter taking into account the tempering in the preceding cycles, is induced close in time to the injection process in order to effect the required heat dissipation within the time range of the greatest temperature difference between the injected melt and the cooling duct, and further cooling medium impulses are induced as the result of a should be-actual comparison occurring at time Z.sub.2 if the preset nominal temperature is exceeded, whereby the time Z.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Kunststofftechnik F. u. H. Riesselmann GmbH
    Inventor: Erich Liehr
  • Patent number: 5683727
    Abstract: A foil-blowing apparatus has its external cooling nozzles vertically and/or radially adjustable relative to the transition region between the neck of the thermoplastic tube and the blown foil balloon to enable thickness errors to be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Reifenhauser GmbH & Co. Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Wilhelm Kahlen
  • Patent number: 5683643
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating and stirring a charge of a heat-exchange fluid under pressure for the curing of tires in which both a turbine and an electric motor for driving the turbine are enclosed within a fluid-tight enclosure and in which the turbine and the rotor and stator of the electric motor are entirely immersed within the heat-exchange fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Sedepro
    Inventor: Daniel Laurent
  • Patent number: 5676893
    Abstract: Automatic thickness profiling for use in blown film and other extrusion lines. The automatic system is integrated into an air cooling ring device either external and/or internal to the bubble or extrusion. The system has or more high resolution circumferentially variable annular air outlets which act to cool the molten resin in a circumferentially variable way. Thin slide plates remain fixed in place except when adjusted to open or close the local annular air outlet by the action of at least one scanning actuator. The actuator is positioned by control signals generated by a control computer which calculates the appropriate local dimension of the variable air outlet in response to circumferential position correlated with thickness variations detected by a film thickness sensor. The film thickness above the frost line is mechanically scanned around the extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Addex Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Cree
  • Patent number: 5674439
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for injection molding articles of crystallizable polymeric materials in a substantially completely amorphous state is provided. The system includes (i) a mold defining an article formation cavity and an outer cavity connected by a gate, (ii) a melt transport mechanism including a bushing having a distal portion located in the outer cavity in close proximity to the gate inlet, and (iii) a source of molten material. The geometric configurations of the distal portion of the bushing, the inner portion of the outer cavity and the gate, and the relative locations of the distal end of the bushing and the inlet of the gate are each selected such that melt material may flow from the source through the melt transport mechanism and gate into the article formation cavity. The melt transport mechanism is maintained at a temperature above the characteristic crystal melt temperature of the polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Kona Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Hume, Paul M. Swenson
  • Patent number: 5674440
    Abstract: A die head for extruding an annular body includes a mandrel having a warp portion with a number of segments spaced around the circumference of the mandrel. Heat is selectively flowed to the segments to warp the mandrel and vary the position of a die pin on the end of the mandrel in a die bushing to control the thickness of the extruded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Graham Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Paul W. Klinedinst
  • Patent number: 5656214
    Abstract: A method of controlling a blow molding machine from a completion of production of one product to a start of production of a next product comprises controlling a temperature of a resin within the blow molding machine, controlling an operation of devices from the completion of production of the one product to the start of production of the next product, controlling a sequent transport of some of the devices in predetermined positions, and controlling a change of the resin in accordance with a supply stop thereof and a data on the next product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Tahara Machinery Limited
    Inventors: Mikio Uchiyama, Tatsuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5648038
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring workpiece and workpiece material characteristics using microwave energy are disclosed. A system includes a chamber, including means for generating variable frequency microwave energy; means for positioning a workpiece within the chamber; means for subjecting the workpiece to a plurality of different microwave frequencies; and means for monitoring characteristics of the workpiece. One or more characteristics of a workpiece, or workpiece material, may be monitored by positioning the workpiece within a chamber having means for generating variable frequency microwave energy; subjecting the workpiece to microwave irradiation at a plurality of frequencies; detecting power reflection for each one of the plurality of microwave frequencies to provide power reflection data; and comparing the power reflection data to a predetermined set of power reflection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Lambda Technologies
    Inventors: Zakaryae Fathi, Richard S. Garard, Jianghua Wei, Michael L. Hampton
  • Patent number: 5645867
    Abstract: A distribution manifold assembly for carrying a fluid includes a manifold body having at least one fluid channel running therethrough, and at least one infrared radiation source dimensioned and disposed to apply infrared radiation to the external surface of the manifold body. If desired, a control means controls the application of infrared radiation by within the fluid channel remains substantially constant. An insulation layer can surround at least a portion of the manifold body, and this insulation layer is disposed so as not to obstruct completely the infrared radiation source. In a second embodiment, the manifold assembly has a primary manifold body having at least one fluid channel running therethrough, and first and second surfaces so that there are first and second elongate hollows. First and second infrared radiation sources are contained within the elongate hollows. A method of heating a fluid distribution manifold having an internal fluid channel is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Doug Crank, John Carter
  • Patent number: 5645773
    Abstract: A method for placing concrete on a rock foundation to construct a massive concrete structure, such as a dam, a bridge pier or a foundation of a building, precludes development of cracks in the concrete by thermal stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: E.R.C. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5639405
    Abstract: A control system for a gas assisted injection molding apparatus which provides precise and reproducible indication of when the injection of plastic is to terminate and when the pressured gas is to be introduced on basis of sensing of the location of the flow front of the injected plastic in the mold cavity. The flow front sensor control system according to the present invention includes: one or more sensors located at one or more predetermined locations of the cavity of a mold of a gas assisted injection molding apparatus, a controller which processes sensed data from the one or more sensors and thereupon sends a signal to the gas assisted plastic injection molding apparatus to discontinue plastic injection and introduce pressured gas. The preferred type of sensor is a temperature sensor; however, other types of sensors, such as a pressure sensor, may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Elizabeth Erikson Trust
    Inventor: Jon R. Erikson
  • Patent number: 5624625
    Abstract: Process for the preparation of ceramic materials for parts having friction surfaces subject to friction and free from auto/self-adhesion under stress or during aging. A precursor of the ceramic undergoes successive operations of pressing, sintering, polishing the surface obtained, cleaning the solid gangue resulting from the polishing, roasting in the presence of oxygen, and a doping treatment for increasing the dielectric susceptibility and homogeneity of the ceramic material adjacent the friction surfaces and to increase the mobility of the charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Claude Le Gressus, Claude Faure, Pierre Bach, Guy Blaise, Daniel Treheux
  • Patent number: 5620715
    Abstract: A four-station rotary thermoformer has a rotary carriage which transports a sheet of thermoplastic material clamped on a subframe through a load/unload station; a heating station; a forming station where the sheet is molded; and a cooling station removed from the mold where the part is cooled on the subframe. The molded sheet is cooled in a cavity which has a lower portion mounted on a lift which travels vertically to engage against an upper portion and enclose the sheet for cooling. A multiplicity of air vents discharge cooling air into the cavity. Cooling air leaves the cavity through recirculation duct. The supply of air within the cooling cavity results in a uniform current of air against the article's surface, thus providing uniform cooling. A programmable controller controls the supply of cooling air and receives input from an infrared sensor which detects the temperature of the thermoformed article and also receives information from a sensor of the cooling air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Penda Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Hart, Wesley W. Roberts, Charles G. Geurts
  • Patent number: 5614137
    Abstract: A process for the cyclic control of extruders which facilitates the precise control of an extruder to achieve maximum output and at the same time optimal quality of the extruded profiles. Accordingly therefore the extrusion velocity is controlled in such a way that the profile exit temperature is constant and equal to a prescribed temperature trajectory. Thereby the extrusion velocity and the profile exit temperature are measured over the complete cycle interval for each and every cycle k, and with the knowledge of the relationship between these quantities and the trajectory of the extrusion velocity of the cycle k, the trajectory of the extrusion velocity for the (k+1)th cycle is determined, such that the control error and the control effort are as low as possible and after completion of the (k+1)th extrusion cycle the whole process is repeated for every subsequent cycle therefore until the whole extrusion program is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Madhukar Pandit, Karl-Heinz Buchheit
  • Patent number: 5609815
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing carbonaceous parts including the steps of shaping a mixture of carbonaceous powder and bonding agent to form raw parts, cooling the raw parts to ambient temperature at a known rate and firing the cooled parts in a furnace from ambient temperature to a final firing temperature to release volatile particles to produce fired parts devoid of volatile products. This process is improved by placing the raw parts in an electric furnace in the absence of heating filler, heating the raw parts in the furnace to an intermediate temperature of about 200.degree. C. at a fixed initial heating rate such that the loss of volatile products is less than 10% by weight of the total amount of volatile products contained in the raw parts and being a function of the cooling rate such that the internal strain from the shaping and cooling step is freed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Le Carbone Lorraine
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Bauer
  • Patent number: 5597519
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding contact lenses by curing polymerizable compositions in suitably dimensioned molds using ultraviolet or other polymerization-inducing radiation and heat. The molds are moved along a source of radiation such that the intensity of the radiation to which the composition is exposed rises and falls several times, thereby achieving superior results by balancing the initiation and the propagation of the polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace A. Martin, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Jonathan P. Adams
  • Patent number: 5591385
    Abstract: This invention provides a plastic molding method, a mold, and a molded article. According to this invention, the supply flow rate of a coolant, e.g., cooling water, to a mold is maintained to shorten the molding cycle and to improve the productivity in continuous molding. The temperature distribution and pressure distribution in the mold are measured, thereby realizing determination as to whether a molded article is defective or not in the molding and cooling processes. The temperatures at respective required portions of the molded article removed from the mold are monitored, so that determination as to whether a molded article is defective or not can be performed, thereby improving the productivity. Countermeasures are taken not to deform the molded article. A thermoplastic resin injected from a hot runner into a cavity is heated at a gate discharge portion by a shearing heat upon injection. Countermeasures are taken to suppress temperature increase caused by this heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Canon Kabushika Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Arai, Akira Furusawa
  • Patent number: 5591384
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for molding parts. The system comprises a plasticator and press. The plasticator is capable of receiving a plurality of molding materials comprising a predetermined amount of at least thermoplastic polymers and long reinforcing fibers, such as glass fiber. The plasticator is characterized in that it is capable of simultaneously receiving contaminated molding materials and relatively long glass fibers and molding them into a billet wherein the fibers remain substantially undamaged. The billet is subsequently placed in a compression molding press where other materials may be molded or applied to its surface. The method is further characterized in that a single thermal rise is used to plasticate the molding materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Modern Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Fredric L. Abrams, Robert F. Freund
  • Patent number: 5589114
    Abstract: A temperature regulating system for a cyclic processor that consists of a mould having at least one internal passageway for receiving temperature regulating fluid, preferably coolant water. Continuous fluid flow will overcool the mould. Therefore, the system normally is set to provide flow only for a part of the cycle, the proportion depending on mould temperature or the fluid exhaust temperature from a previous cycle, preferably the immediately preceding cycle and with an averaged temperature over the cycle. The system also includes a processor fitted with the system, and a method of controlling the temperature of a fluid cooled processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Rowland F. Evans
  • Patent number: 5567369
    Abstract: A method for the control of wall thickness of an extruded thermoplastic material. The method includes extruding a thermoplastic material from an extruder through a die gap formed between first and second die lips. One of the die lips has a plurality of separate sectors adjacent the die gap, with each sector having a circulating oil passageway therein. The circulating oil passageways are connected in a series along the die gap. The method includes circulating through each circulating oil passage, within each sector adjacent the die lip, a heat transfer oil from a common source at a selected heating or cooling temperature. The method includes controlling the rate of flow of said heat transfer oil in each sector by an adjustable flow control valve, in order to control the temperature of each sector, and thereby to adjust the viscosity of the thermoplastic material being extruded, and controlling the wall thickness of the extruded thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Sencorp Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Beckwith
  • Patent number: 5551857
    Abstract: A cylinder temperature controller for an injection molding machine in which an injection molding operation is performed while keeping the injection cylinder at a stable preset temperature regardless of disturbances such as the change of mold temperature or ambient temperature and the temperature rise caused by the shear compression of resin. A temperature regulator for carrying out PID feedback control of the injection cylinder temperature is provided with a PID adjusting means unit for automatic tuning. The actual temperature T of each portion of the injection cylinder is detected by a thermocouple. When the actual temperature T deviates from a predetermined temperature range defined by an upper limit [A+B] and lower limit [A-B] which are set on the basis of the preset target temperature A, an automatic tuning command is outputted to the temperature regulator. Upon receipt of this command, the PID adjusting unit sets the PID parameters again at a value suitable to the disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Fujioka, Tokuhisa Miyauchi, Noriaki Neko
  • Patent number: 5543092
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for exerting a stress tensor on moldable material in a mold cavity. The method involves the steps of feeding a moldable material from a feeder to an accumulator. The material is preferably melted prior to accumulation within the accumulator so as to form a material flow. After at least a portion of the accumulator is filled, an oscillatory force is applied on the molten material in accordance with a predetermined program. A predetermined amount of material is then fed from the accumulator to a mold cavity through a mold inlet. The temperature of the mold is controlled in accordance with a predetermined program while an oscillatory force is applied to the material. The solidified article is then removed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Solomat Partners, L.P.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Ibar
  • Patent number: 5529650
    Abstract: Processes for the formation of flocked automotive molding members of the type adapted to border windshield and door windows are disclosed. The processes include coextrusion of a thermoplastic polymer and reactive hot melt adhesive in a common die orifice or head onto a profiled metal strip. The hot melt provides an adhesive layer for subsequent flock adherence to the thermoplastic polymer. The hot melt is moisture curable, thereby eliminating need for a curing oven or the like downstream from the flocking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Green Tokai Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Bowers, Keiji Asahina
  • Patent number: 5529477
    Abstract: A temperature correction apparatus 1 of an injection molding machine for correcting detected values D.sub.2 . . . obtained from a plurality of thermostats 2 . . . set to an injection molding machine M and/or command values S.sub.2 . . . for performing temperature feedback control in accordance the detected values D.sub.2 . . . , comprising a correction constant computing section 11 for correcting first correction constants P.sub.2 . . . for the detected values D.sub.2 . . . and/or second correction constants Q.sub.2 . . . for the command values S.sub.2 . . . in accordance with detected values Di and Dj of the thermostats 2 . . . under different temperature conditions Ti and Tj and reference values Ei and Ej corresponding to the temperature conditions Ti and Tj, a storage section 12 for storing the obtained first correction constants P.sub.2 . . . and/or second correction constants Q.sub.2 . . . , and a correction computing section 13 for correcting the detected values D.sub. 2 . . . and/or command values S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiaki Takizawa, Takashi Magario, Chiharu Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 5525050
    Abstract: A temperature control unit for an injection molding machine having a control thermostat capable of detecting the temperature of a fluid flowing out of dies, wherein plural injection unit thermostats are coupled to the control thermostat. A heating/cooling dual control thermostat is provided for detecting the temperature of the fluid flowing into the dies and the heating/cooling dual control thermostat is coupled to the control thermostat in a cascade connection, whereby an injection unit temperature control system and a die temperature control system are connected via a communication line. The resulting temperature control unit has a simplified construction for temperature control and has reduced cost, while improving operability and maneuverability thereof. By cascade-controlling the die temperature, highly stabilized temperature control may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiaki Takizawa, Takashi Magario
  • Patent number: 5520528
    Abstract: A molding machine having hand operated controls which are used for manually operating a plurality of movable members provided in the molding machine, is disclosed. The hand operated controls comprise: a display for showing molding information and/or an appearance of the molding machine; a plurality of first switches, such as touch switches, provided on the display, which correspond to the plurality of movable members, and are used for selecting the corresponding one of the plurality of movable members; and a second switch, such as a pair of push button switches, for operating a driving member to drive the movable member selected using one of the first switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tokiro Kogane, Nobukuni Takarae
  • Patent number: 5518671
    Abstract: A method of setting molding conditions for an injection molding machine 1 using a mold 2 whose specifications data are unclear included three setting processes. In the first setting process A, by inputting known data into controller 3, the molding conditions based on a data base prepared in advance and said input known data are set. In the second setting process B, injection molding is performed according to prescribed molding conditions pre-selected concerning injection pressure P, injection speed V and the injection start position of screw 4, and then, based on the product just molded, injection pressure P is altered, to set said altered injection pressure P, injection speed V and proper pre-feed measurement value Md as molding conditions. In the third setting process C, injection molding is performed according to molding conditions obtained from said second setting process B, and subsequently, taking into account the findings from the product just molded, said molding conditions are adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiaki Takizawa, Fumio Shiozawa, Takashi Magario, Makoto Takeuchi, Masatake Hoshina, Minoru Yamazaki, Toshimi Kato
  • Patent number: 5518389
    Abstract: A multi-cavity mold has flow-distribution adjusting heaters provided for respective ones of main runners branching from a common channel so as to correspond to a plurality of cavities. The amount of resin charged into the cavities is made uniform from one cavity to the next by independently controlling the heaters. Sub-runners leading respective ones of the main runners are respectively provided with heaters for adjusting gate finish. The gate finish and moldability are improved by independently controlling these heaters. The main runners hold enough resin for at least one shot, and pressure loss in the sub-runners is made equal to or greater than pressure loss in the main runners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nonomura, Masaharu Hata
  • Patent number: 5516474
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for preparing composites including layers having thermally distinct processing requirements. Beneficially, the process may use a single manifold die. By the process, useful containers may be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: The Cloeren Company
    Inventor: Peter F. Cloeren
  • Patent number: 5514309
    Abstract: Rapid cooling of molded workpieces such as PET parisons formed in an injection molding machine is provided by a receiver receiving molded workpieces upon ejection from the molding machine, the receiver being transported out of the molding machine to an adjacent position where a cooling head coupled to a source of cooling fluid such as liquid nitrogen directs the fluid toward the surfaces of each workpiece. The cooling head engages and is sealed to the receiver to inhibit the escape of cooling fluid into the atmosphere thereby reducing cost, environmental impact, etc. A cooling program control coupled to the cooling fluid source supplies a discontinuous flow cooling fluid from said source to contact the workpieces only when the cooling head is engaged with and sealed to the receiver. A vacuum unit withdraws cooling fluid from the receiver subsequent to contact between the workpieces and the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid can then recooled and recycled for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Rapid Cool Corporation
    Inventors: James T. Williamson, Michael J. Jerbic
  • Patent number: 5514312
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible tubular conduit with a jacket or tube made of crosslinked polyethylene, specially crosslinked polyethylene, and a method for manufacturing the conduit. A jacket or tube is made from polyethylene crosslinked by hydrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Coflexip
    Inventors: Jean Hardy, Michel Morand
  • Patent number: 5507983
    Abstract: Continuous elongate members such as filaments are produced by forming a hot dope of cellulose, amine oxide and water, extruding the dope through a die assembly and precipitating the cellulose to form the bodies and maintaining the concentration of the dope at a predetermined value by monitoring the refractive index of the dope before it is extruded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Courtaulds Fibres (Holdings) Limited
    Inventors: Alan Sellars, Michael C. Quigley
  • Patent number: 5505885
    Abstract: Uniform, free-flowing, non-friable P.sub.2 S.sub.5 granules having a predetermined reactivity can be produced by accretion by spraying molten P.sub.2 S.sub.5 onto cascading, smaller solid particles of P.sub.2 S.sub.5. The process can be used to produce any reactivity grade of P.sub.2 S.sub.5 by adjusting processing conditions. The process can also be used to produce P.sub.2 S.sub.5 in a form suitable for bulk shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Jean M. Bacardi, Robert L. Camerer, Andrew M. Huey, Arthur R. Shirley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5498377
    Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer tube where the temperature of the mandrel and the extrusion pressure used for extruding a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer are determined before preparing the tube. The temperature of the mandrel and the extrusion pressure are set to overlap two predetermined temperature ranges. One temperature range permits hot drawing of the tube preform, and the second temperature range provides a tube preform free from the occurrence of bubbles on its surface. After the two temperature and extrusion pressure ranges are determined, a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer is extruded on the periphery of a heated mandrel under pressure using a mandrel temperature and extrusion pressure where the two predetermined ranges overlap. Thereafter, the mandrel is pulled out to provide a tube preform, and the tube preform is hot drawn to produce a tube having a desired outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenori Ozaki, Minoru Fuchimoto, Tamotsu Kaide