Plasma (e.g., Corona, Glow Discharge, Etc.) Patents (Class 264/455)
  • Patent number: 10323325
    Abstract: A method of making a light weight housing for an internal component is provided. The method including the steps of: forming a first metallic foam core into a desired configuration; forming a second metallic foam core into a desired configuration; inserting an internal component into the first metallic foam core; placing the second metallic foam adjacent to the first metallic core in order to secure the internal component between the first metallic foam core and the second metallic foam core; and applying an external metallic shell to an exterior surface of the first metallic foam core and the second metallic foam core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gary D. Roberge
  • Patent number: 9631063
    Abstract: Composition and method for making a flexible packaging film having highly loaded with at least one inorganic filler. A blown HDPE film comprising at least 50% by weight inorganic filler is oriented in the machine direction to increase yield and tensile strength, and reduce gauge variation to improve print qualities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley Leidolf, Brad Dewayne Rodgers, Benjamin Soucy
  • Patent number: 9144932
    Abstract: Method for molding a receptacle (2) starting from a parison (3) of plastic material, comprising the steps of: positioning the parison (3) inside a mold (5); progressively introducing a stretching rod (8) into the parison (3) until it reaches a bottom thereof; injecting pressurized air into the parison (3), passing radiation through the stretching rod (8), in order to sterilize the inner walls of the parison (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: GEA PROCOMAC S.P.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Pagliarini, Matteo Di Prinzio, Roberto Delmonte
  • Patent number: 8901197
    Abstract: A modified fluorocarbon resin composition and a modified molded product of fluorocarbon resin composition having an excellent abrasion resistivity and low friction property under high pressure, are provided. The modified fluorocarbon resin composition comprises a blend of fluorocarbon resin and aromatic engineering plastic, which is modified by irradiation of ionizing radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Yamamoto, Etsuo Fukuchi, Hiroo Kusano
  • Patent number: 8790449
    Abstract: Electret webs are presented which include a blend of a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additives include a heterocyclic imide material which is free of fluorinated groups. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Fuming B. Li, John M. Sebastian, Marvin E. Jones, Daniel A. Japuntich
  • Patent number: 8613795
    Abstract: Electret webs are presented which include a blend of a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additives include N-substituted amino carbocyclic aromatic materials. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Fuming B. Li, Feng Bai, John M. Sebastian, Marvin E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7824600
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for raising the surface tension of biaxially-stretched films made of thermoplastic polymers. According to the method, a film is first treated on a surface by means of an atmospheric pressure plasma before being stretched transversally or simultaneously across the width thereof, and the film is additional a subjected to a second treatment by means of a corona or flame after being stretched transversally or simultaneously, the second treatment being done on the same surface which has already been plasma-treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Treofan Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Jung, Thomas Gottfreund
  • Patent number: 7056467
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing a thin sheet of an Al—SiC composite material, which comprises the steps of: mixing aluminum powders and SiC powders to give spraying powders; and plasma-spraying the spraying powders on a graphite substrate to form a thin sheet. According to the method of the present invention, the composite material having low thermal expansion coefficient, high thermal conductivity and low density, which is suitable for use as a thermal management material for electronic devices, can be produced by a simple production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventors: Suk Bong Kang, Kwang Jun Euh, Manchang Gui
  • Patent number: 6953544
    Abstract: A method of making a respirator, which method includes placing an electret in a respirator body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer. The electret is disposed in the respirator body such that air passes through it before being inhaled by a respirator wearer. The electret includes a nonwoven web that has fluorinated polymeric microfibers and that has at least about 25% atomic fluorine as detected by ESCA and a CF3:CF2 ratio of at least about 0.45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Marvin E. Jones, Christopher S. Lyons, David B. Redmond, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Seyed Abolhassan Angadjivand
  • Patent number: 6905649
    Abstract: A nano-sized powder of barium titanate is compacted and sintered by spark plasma sintering under conditions creating a high heating rate to achieve a densified material that demonstrates superior permittivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Guodong Zhan, Amiya K. Mukherjee, Joshua D. Kuntz, Julin Wan
  • Patent number: 6852267
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing tubular containers with an open filling opening and with an end that is provided with a seal. The inventive method comprises the following steps: separately producing a preform with a neck with definitive dimensions and a tubular body with smaller dimensions than the definitive form, the tubular body containing the open filling opening; fixing the preform that is produced to a drawing head by its neck and subjecting it to at least one partial heating process; introducing the heated preform that is attached to the drawing head into the inside of a multi-part closed blow mold in such a way that the open filling opening is air-tightly held at the lower end of the blow mold; fitting a blow nozzle to the filling opening of the preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Aisa Automation Industrielle SA
    Inventor: Gerhard Keller
  • Publication number: 20040245667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for simultaneously coating and forming a body (11), comprising the following steps:
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Stephan Behle, Markus Kuhr, Marten Walther, Detlef Wolff, Matthias Bicker
  • Publication number: 20040201137
    Abstract: A nano-sized powder of barium titanate is compacted and sintered by spark plasma sintering under conditions creating a high heating rate to achieve a densified material that demonstrates superior permittivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, a California corporation
    Inventors: Guodong Zhan, Amiya K. Mukherjee, Joshua D. Kuntz, Julin Wan
  • Patent number: 6709714
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing high-density polyidimide (HPI) films and its production equipment. The production equipment comprises a raw material supplying means, a vacuum cavity, an energy supplier, a clad laminator, and a baked solidified polymer. The foregoing components constitutes the production equipment, using the monomer with the CONH bond or copolymer as raw materials to extract the unsaturated C═N bond by heat, electrons, light, radiation rays or ions as energy under low-pressure environment, so that the H in vacuum can extract the non-solidified HPI film from the electronic radical covalent polymers and via heat or light to rearrange the structure into a solidified HPI film. By means of the method according to the present invention, the original HPI that is not easily to produce as a film can be easily made in form of a film of HPI polymer on the clad laminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Tien Tsai Lin
  • Patent number: 6660210
    Abstract: An electret is described that includes a plasma surface modified polymeric article having plasma surface fluorination produced by fluorinating the polymeric article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Marvin E. Jones, Christopher S. Lyons, David B. Redmond, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Seyed Abolhassan Angadjivand
  • Patent number: 6565791
    Abstract: The apparatus for treating the inside surface of a bottle (1) in a plasma enhanced process comprises a vacuum chamber (2), a microwave confinement (3) with a microwave generator (4), evacuation means and gas feed means (5). The microwave confinement (3) is substantially cylindrical and adapted to the shape of at least the body portion of the bottle (1) to be treated as closely as possible. The microwaves are coupled into the microwave confinement (3) form the bottom side of the bottle (1) and the microwave confinement is excited in a TM mode of resonance. The inventive apparatus is very compact and very simple. It can be integrated into a stretch-blow-moulding apparatus or into a filling apparatus. For upscaling, a plurality of one-bottle apparatuses is arranged in a row or in a matrix and all the one-bottle apparatuses are connected to a net of energy, vacuum and gas supply lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Jacques Laurent
  • Patent number: 6436547
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated packaging material comprising a core layer of paper or paperboard and a gas barrier layer of a polyarmide blend including a condensation polymer of metaxylene diamine and adipic acid (Nylon-MXD6) and a second crystalline or semicrystalline polyamide, applied on one side of the core layer by means of co-extrusion coating. The invention also relates to a method of producing the laminated packaging material and to a packaging container which is produced from the laminated packaging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Nils Toft, Ion Postoaca
  • Patent number: 6436480
    Abstract: To prepare a thermally sprayed composite material, a precomposited powder is first prepared and then thermally sprayed at an ambient pressure of no less than about 0.75 atmosphere in an oxidation-preventing atmosphere. The precomposited powder has a plurality of powder particles, and each powder particle is formed of a matrix and reinforcing particles distributed within and encapsulated by the matrix. The matrix has a composition of a matrix metal such as molybdenum, hafnium, zirconium titanium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, or tungsten, and a matrix non-metal of silicon, boron, or carbon. The reinforcement particle is silicon carbide, boron carbide, silicon nitride, or boron nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Plasma Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kamleshwar Upadhya
  • Patent number: 6419871
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an improved electrostatic filter medium comprising a web of electret fibers which have been treated with fluorine-containing plasmas at a deposition amount of about 0.03 g/m2 to about 1.5 g/m2; electrostatically charged; rinsed; and dried. The present invention is further drawn to a method of producing non-woven webs which have been treated with a fluorine-containing plasma at a deposition amount of about 0.03 g/m2 to about 1.5 g/m2; electrostatically charged; rinsed; and dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Transweb, LLC.
    Inventor: Kumar Ogale
  • Publication number: 20020090477
    Abstract: A corrugated fuel tube is manufactured by extruding an inner single layer or multilayer of a resin of high fuel impermeability, extruding an outer single layer or multilayer of a thermoplastic resin so as to cover the inner layer to form a tube having a multi-layered wall, and corrugating the tube along at least a part thereof. The surface treatment is preferably given to an outer peripheral surface of the inner layer to ensure an improved adhesion between the inner and outer layers. The tube can be made without presenting any problem caused by a difference in melt viscosity between the materials forming its inner and outer layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ito, Shinji Iio, Tomohide Ito, Yoshimitsu Ishida
  • Publication number: 20020066135
    Abstract: This invention provides a safety helmet in the form of a cycling helmet or similar. The helmet has an outer shell and an energy-absorbing liner within the outer shell. The energy-absorbing liner is provided by a cellular textile material combined with a matrix material to form a composite. The composite material retains some porosity from the original textile material to both improve breathing of the liner and also its capability for large deformations to improve energy absorption. The liner may also be provided with a linkage structure to link adjacent cells to improve the absorption of impact loads over a number of adjacent cells in the composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Xiaoming Tao, Tongxl Yu, Pu Xue
  • Publication number: 20010031330
    Abstract: A corrugated fuel tube is manufactured by extruding an inner single layer or multilayer of a resin of high fuel impermeability, extruding an outer single layer or multilayer of a thermoplastic resin so as to cover the inner layer to form a tube having a multi-layered wall, and corrugating the tube along at least a part thereof. The surface treatment is preferably given to an outer peripheral surface of the inner layer to ensure an improved adhesion between the inner and outer layers. The tube can be made without presenting any problem caused by a difference in melt viscosity between the materials forming its inner and outer layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ito, Shinji IIo, Tomohide Ito, Yoshimitsu Ishida
  • Patent number: 6254820
    Abstract: A blank (2) is molded for the manufacture of a multi-layer preform (1). The blank possesses protrusions (5). After the protrusions (5) have been brought to a plasticized state under the action of heat, those surfaces that contain protrusions (5) are covered by a layer of plasticized material. The blank (2) becomes connected to the layer (6) in the area of the protrusions (5). After cooling of the preform created from the blank (2) and the layer (6), the blank (2) will be connected with the layer (6) by means of microweld positions (7) in the area of the said protrusions (5). With that, delamination of the preform (1) during further processing or use will be effectively prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen W. Cornell
  • Patent number: 6165397
    Abstract: A method of manufacture for producing a molded article from a polyurethane material, utilizing a spin casting apparatus, preferably a non-pneumatic tire, where a mold that is formed in sections or halves and has an inner cavity formed to have the shape of the article to be manufactured and is separable to release that article after manufacture. The mold is secured to a support plate of the apparatus that is journaled to turn axially imparting a centrifugal force into the mold. The support plate is connected to or is arranged to be connected to a motor assembly for turning, and includes a clamping arrangement for maintaining the mold halves together on the support plate. An annular trough is formed in the mold immediately adjacent to a mold interior cavity inner circumference to receive a polyurethane material liquid passed thereto, and to, in turn, pass that liquid through a trough annular opening or ports into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: American Mobility Limited
    Inventors: Vincent F. Panaroni, Richard A. Steinke, Dennis S. Chrobak
  • Patent number: 6146562
    Abstract: A method for producing an injection molded article with a gradually varying cellular density distribution, whereby the cellular density distribution varies between a first cellular structure of a high density and a second cellular structure of a relatively lower density. The method comprises forming a mold cavity be engaging a first mold section with a second mold section and injecting into the mold cavity an injection mixture which contains a blowing agent. A gradually varying density distribution is created according to a predetermined control function which depends on the mold cavity volume and the injection rate of the injection mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Siebolt Hettinga
  • Patent number: 6129870
    Abstract: A method of molding a plastic with a foamed interior and a dense outer skin of a desired thickness, whereby a blowing agent is mixed with a plastic material and the mixture is injected, under pressure, into a mold cavity of a mold unit. The mixture is allowed to cool along the molding surfaces of the mold cavity for a determined amount of time. The pressure is released and the mold cavity expanded to allow the blowing agent to foam the interior of the plastic article. The molding cavity is then compressed to achieve the desired dimensions for the plastic article, and to give the interior a uniform cellular structure. Control over the timing of the expansion of the mold cavity, the injection temperature, the rate of injection of the mixture, the rate at which the cavity is expanded and compressed, and the timing of the compression of the mold cavity allow a skin of desired thickness to be formed on the plastic article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Siebolt Hettinga
  • Patent number: 6106903
    Abstract: A mass of molybdenum disilicide-silicon carbide composite material is prepared by providing a mixture of molybdenum disilicide-silicon carbide precomposited powder, and plasma spraying the precomposited powder onto a substrate using argon-shrouded plasma spray deposition, to form a plasma-sprayed mass. The plasma-sprayed mass may be subsequently heat treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Plasma Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kamleshwar Upadhya
  • Patent number: 6103153
    Abstract: Compositions and processing conditions are disclosed for the production by rotomolding of polypropylene foams, hither to satisfactorily produced only by injection molding and extrusion molding. Rheological properties of the polypropylene resin, processing conditions and choice of composition of the chemical blowing agent were found to play important roles in obtaining high quality polypropylene foam structures. High strength fine-cell polypropylene foams could in particular be formed by first melt compounding a suitable chemical blowing agent with the resin under conditions which allow for homogeneous mixing without appreciable decomposition of the blowing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Chul B. Park, Guobin Liu, Fangyi Liu, Remon Pop-Iliev, Salvatore D'Uva, Benjamin Zhang
  • Patent number: 6066277
    Abstract: A method for producing a bicycle saddle includes the steps of:(a) forming a rigid saddle base having therein a hole;(b) positioning the saddle base on a projecting mold part of a male mold, wherein the projecting mold part has a surface contoured to complement a concave inner surface of the saddle base, and the surface is formed with an indentation;(c) placing a foam material in a female mold;(d) causing the projecting mold part to project into and close a mold cavity of the female mold; and(e) forming a saddle cushion around the saddle base by causing the foam material to expand and fill a space around the projecting mold part and then fill the indentation in the projecting mold part through the hole in the saddle base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel Lee
  • Patent number: 6030561
    Abstract: A method of producing a loudspeaker vibrating diaphragm comprising the steps of injecting an amount of resin containing a foaming agent into a metallic mold of an injection molding machine, the mold including a fixed part and a movable part, reducing a mold pressing force of the injection molding machine upon completion of the resin injection, so as to enlarge a space formed between the fixed part and the movable part by a predetermined distance, so that the foaming agent is foamed to obtain a foam layer in the diaphgram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignees: Pioneer Electronics Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Sato, Kunio Mitobe, Fumio Murayama, Jiro Nakazono
  • Patent number: 6025064
    Abstract: A reinforcing plate is overlaid with a decoration sheet with a first adhesive layer interposed, and heated and pressed to form first laminate. A surface of the decoration sheet in the first laminate is coated with a clear second adhesive layer of a liquid polyurethane resin, a surface of which in turn is overlaid with a clear film and heated and pressed to prepare a second laminate. The second laminate is placed within a mold and a resin is insert molded on the reinforcing plate in the second laminate. A clear hard coating is preferably formed on a surface of the second laminate in order to provide higher abrasion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Kosuga & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimichi Kawata, Ryoiti Takada, Hideo Hirano, Hideo Ikai
  • Patent number: 6010649
    Abstract: It has been found that non-chlorinated pentafluoropropane blowing agents may be used alone or in combination with water in a method of making flexible integral skin foams. For example, foams prepared using 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFA-245fa) alone or in combination with water exhibit physical characteristics such as resistance to abrasion and cracking on flex comparable to conventional chlorinated fluorocarbon blown foams. The method of the the present invention produce foams which are suitable for use in many applications including, for example, shoe soles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Valeri L. Valoppi, Elizabeth S. Bredeson
  • Patent number: 6001290
    Abstract: This invention disclose a process for producing a multi-layer biaxially oriented polypropylene synthetic paper of improved gloss and easy-drying printability by means of 3-layer co-extrusion wherein two different PP resin composites are separately extruded by one primary and two secondary extruders and then co-flowed by a same T-die to form a paper sheet having three layer coating material sheet, and through cooling, bi-axial orientation, surface-coating by prime coating and top coating, winding and calendering to be a synthetic paper depending on the required thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Nan Ya Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Allen Fong-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 5985188
    Abstract: A method and mold design for forming a molded chair seat portion and chair back support portion using air counterpressure and two different materials in an injection molding procedure. The two different materials comprise a first material having a low flexural modulus and the other material having a high flexural modulus. Other additives for tailoring the physical properties of the molded product are added to the mixture of the two materials. The air counterpressure is achieved using shop air pressure. The mold may be used to form the seat portion and the back support portion with a single stroke. An endothermic foaming agent is added to the mixture of the two materials to reduce the weight of the finished part, to reduce cycle time, and to assist in the uniform distribution of the materials that are injected into the mold cavity by the injection nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Aero Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy E. Jennings, John W. Shiffler
  • Patent number: 5980814
    Abstract: A method for making an apertured film for use as a topsheet in absorbent products wherein the film is corona treated on one side, and has received a surfactant application that is distributed to both the corona treated and non-corona treated sides of the film. A method for application of surfactant includes applying the surfactant to one side of the film and rolling the film into a roll while the surfactant is still wet in order to apply surfactant to both sides of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Judith E. Roller, Thomas Patrick Luchino, David A. Burwell, Sunita Pargass
  • Patent number: 5972259
    Abstract: A method for forming an angled plastic article of varying density whereby a blowing agent is added to a plastic material and the material is injected into a mold cavity of a mold unit. The interior walls of the mold cavity are maintained at a temperature sufficient to prevent the outer skin of the hardening plastic article from producing gas bubbles. The volume of the mold cavity is increased to allow bubbles to produce and uniformly distribute themselves throughout the mold cavity and then a reconversion phase is instituted whereby the desired density of the finished plastic article is achieved without voids or aberrations appearing in the surface of the plastic article. The mold unit is provided with extensible beveled edges which extend and retract as the mold cavity is enlarged and compressed. By this method, a resulting plastic article of varying density is produced having grooves running the length of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Siebolt Hettinga
  • Patent number: 5955013
    Abstract: A method for producing a foam-containing structure. In a first embodiment, a defoamer is applied to the inner surface of an impermeable carrier. A foamed resin is introduced inside the carrier and contacts the defoamer to form a liquid resin layer on the inner surface. The foamed resin and liquid resin layer are cured to produce a foamed resin inner core and a solid resin outer layer. In a second embodiment, a permeable carrier is covered with an impermeable release material. A defoamer is applied to the carrier. A foamed resin is introduced inside the carrier and contacts the defoamer to form a liquid resin layer impregnating the carrier. The foamed resin and liquid resin layer are cured to produce a foamed resin inner core, the carrier as a facer material, and a solid resin layer impregnating the carrier. In a third embodiment, a defoamer and a catalyst are applied to a permeable carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vyacheslav S. Grinshpun, Byron Hulls, Kevin J. Spoo
  • Patent number: 5945200
    Abstract: A molded plastic product has a pad and a core. The pad is made of plastic foam and a skin that covers the surface and side face of the plastic foam. The core has a pad housing for accommodating the pad. A groove is formed partly or entirely along the side face of the skin. The plastic foam bonds the pad and core together. The groove prevents the plastic foam from leaking onto the surface of the skin and provides a function of firmly holding the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Inoac Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5942313
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an injection molded object having an outer shell with a front face and a light transmitting assembly molded into the outer shell which assembly is visible from the front face. The method includes the following steps. Supporting a light transmitting assembly on a mold projecting tool which is closable with a mold cavity tool having an interior wall which defines the front wall of the outer shell. Forming narrow passages through the light transmitting assembly to connect its front and rear faces. Closing the mold to position the front face of the light transmitting assembly adjacent the interior wall of the mold cavity tool while leaving a narrow peripheral recess therearound in communication with the narrow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: The Grigoleit Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5928584
    Abstract: Novel molding compositions consisting essentially of a mixture of a skin-forming component and a foam core-foaming component physically dry-blended together. The skin-forming component comprises two distinct phases blended together, a high zero-shear viscosity material and a low zero-shear viscosity material. The foam core-forming component preferably comprises a foamable polymeric material including a suitable blowing agent. In a preferred embodiment, the three materials are selected from suitable homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Wedtech (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford C. Lee, Donald T. Beuke, Andrew R. Feder, John Lefas, Salvatore D'Uva
  • Patent number: 5922256
    Abstract: A method of molding a plastic shell having an outer pliable skin layer and a foam backing layer comprises casting a first skin layer portion from wear resistant material in a first casting sequence for those areas of the panel susceptible to high wear and in a second casting sequence casting self-skinning foamable material against the remaining portion of the mold surface and over the first-cast skin layer portion to develop, simultaneously, the remaining outer skin layer portion of the shell and a foam backing layer which extends across the entire skin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Textron Automotive Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gallagher, Bruce A. Batchelder
  • Patent number: 5906999
    Abstract: It has been found that non-chlorinated pentafluoropropane blowing agents may be used alone or in combination with water in flexible integral skin foams. For example, foams prepared using 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFA-245fa) alone or in combination with water exhibit physical characteristics such as resistance to abrasion and cracking on flex comparable to conventional chlorinated fluorocarbon blown foams. The foams of the present invention are suitable for use in many applications including, for example, shoe soles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Valeri L. Valoppi, Elizabeth S. Bredeson
  • Patent number: 5899344
    Abstract: A slatwall section having a groove formed above and behind the upper most slat for providing additional structural integrity. The formed groove enables a slatwall to be manufactured having uniform thickness. A mating engagement between upper and lower slatwall sections provides a connection point that is concealed within a formed slat, and thereby eliminates the use of exteriorly disposed sink holes or fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: International Visual Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne A. Current, John D. Maxworthy
  • Patent number: 5882739
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving the drying performance of a dishwasher and the resulting products thereof. The method involves chemically treating a dishwasher component to alter or modify the chemical properties of the surface, rendering such surface hydrophilic. The hydrophilic surface sufficiently attracts water molecules within the dishwasher to enhance the drying capabilities of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Duane M. Kobos, Patrick J. MCCann
  • Patent number: 5882776
    Abstract: The invention relates to foam structures with enhanced physical properties which can be used in the areas of packaging, athletics, water sports, and construction. In general, the structures are laminated polymer foams that include a core of a low density foam and one or more skins of relatively high density foam covering the core. The skins provide improved physical properties to the foam structures by improving the flexural strength, resistance to bending, and resulting damage from bending in the laminated foam structure while modestly increasing the weight of the laminated structure, for example. Uses of the foam structures include, but are not limited to, packaging materials, gym mats, body boards, or eaves fillers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Sentinel Products Corp.
    Inventors: John D. Bambara, Scott C. Smith, William B. Strzelewicz, Richard Bambara, Robert F. Hurley
  • Patent number: 5861214
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a thermoexpandable microcapsule which can be expanded at a lower temperature without decrease of various properties such as chemical resistance and heat resistance; said thermoexpandable microcapsule contains at least two kinds of volatile expanding agents having different boiling points lower than softening temperature of a polymeric material forming a shell, production thereof; and a method of expanding the microcapsule in which it is subjected to first heating below the starting temperature of expanding and then to the second heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kenichi Kitano, Yoshitugu Sasaki, Sueo Kida
  • Patent number: 5843568
    Abstract: A fiber-reinforced article includes an expanded core layer having opposing first and second surfaces with a thickness defined therebetween. The expanded core layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic material and fibers with average length of not less than about 1 mm, with at least a portion of the fibers being coated with the thermoplastic material. The fibers collectively define a network structure in which the fibers are interconnected with each other and fixed relative to each other via the thermoplastic material so that the coated fibers define interstitial voids therebetween. The article further includes first and second skin layers, the first skin layer having a surface integrally connected to the first surface of the expanded core layer and the second skin layer having a surface integrally connected to the second surface of the expanded core layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Syohei Masui, Masahito Matsumoto, Satoru Funkakoshi
  • Patent number: 5833894
    Abstract: A sheet of expanded plastics material with absorbent properties towards aqueous liquids has a structure with intercommunicating cells and comprises at least one surfactant and at least one lubricating agent. The invention also relates to a tray (1) of plastics material for foods which may release liquids, comprising a base (2) and side walls (3), wherein the base (2) has holes (4) of 0.1-1.5 mm diameter in the surface (4) which is intended to contact the food, and is produced from a sheet as described above. Methods of producing the sheet and the tray are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Sirap-Gema S.p.A.
    Inventors: Federico Lanzani, Renato Mauri
  • Patent number: 5830392
    Abstract: Improved compositions useful for the production of foamed rotomolded articles are provided. The compositions of the invention are comprised of a first thermoplastic resin component which is an ethylene polymer in pellet form containing a foaming agent and a second thermoplastic resin component which is a powder consisting of a mixture of different particle size and melt index ethylene polymers. An improved process for producing foamed rotomolded articles having uniformly foamed interiors and smooth exterior skins which are substantially free of surface defects is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Millennium Petrochemicals Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Strebel
  • Patent number: RE37932
    Abstract: A supermicrocellular foamed material and a method for producing such material, the material to be foamed such as a polymerplastic material, having a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide in its supercritical state, introduced into the material to form a foamed fluid/material system having a plurality of cells distributed substantially throughout the material. Cell densities lying in a range from about 109 to about 1015 per cubic centimeter of the material can be achieved with the average cell sizes being at least less than 2.0 microns and preferably in a range from about 0.1 micron to about 1.0 micron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Daniel F. Baldwin, Nam P. Suh, Chul B. Park, Sung W. Cha