And Means To Apply Stress To Preform And Uniting In Stressed Condition Patents (Class 425/111)
  • Patent number: 7811495
    Abstract: A method of forming a hollow composite construction member of the type suitable for use as building material includes providing an elongated inflatable mold assembly having a longitudinal axis, a flexible tubular bladder wall defining an elongated inflatable cavity, a reinforcing fabric positioned concentrically around the flexible bladder wall, and a flexible air-impervious outer layer positioned concentrically around the fabric. The bladder wall and the outer layer define an elongated annular space with the fabric positioned therein. Tension is applied longitudinally to the fabric and fluid is introduced into the cavity to at least partially inflate the mold and shape the fabric. The mold is shaped to a desired shape while maintaining the fabric under tension. The elongated annular space and the fabric are infused with a rigidification material. The rigidification material is hardened while maintaining the fabric in tension to form a rigid hollow composite construction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Habib J. Dagher, Joshua J. Tomblin, Richard F. Nye, Imad W. El Chiti, Matthew W. Bodwell, Alexander L. Baker, Roberto A. Lopez-Anido
  • Publication number: 20100252956
    Abstract: Shingle material, preferably comprising a core with a capstock applied thereto is extruded preferably by means of a co-extrusion process onto a series of Individual carrier plates, with the shingle material then being severed such that each carrier plate carries its own layer of shingle material thereon and the carrier plates are then delivered to a compression mold in which the shingle is molded. The carrier plate and shingle Is then removed from the mold and carried through a series of hold-down stations, after which the shingle is delivered to a trimmer, where flashing is simultaneously trimmed from its edges. The shingle Is then cooled, preferably by sandwiching it between upper and lower retention members which are cooled via a cooling tower. The retention members impart a curvature to the shingle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Kevin MacKinnon, Douglas Harold Wylie, David George Nelson, William Arno Koegler
  • Patent number: 7794642
    Abstract: Process for molding sheets possessing, locally, a three-dimensional projecting or recessed structure , in which a blank sheet is placed between the two parts of a mold, the surface of which corresponds to the negative of said three-dimensional structure. At least one portion of the surface of the mould surrounding said negative possesses a feature intended to form a local reservoir able to supply or receive material of the three-dimensional structure depending on whether it is projecting or recessed, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Renolit Gor S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Venere, Adriano Odino
  • Publication number: 20100201044
    Abstract: A system and method of producing a parabolic curved mirror are provided. The method includes: placing a plane mirror having a front surface and a back surface on a parabolic shaped form, such that the front surface of the plane mirror is facing the parabolic shaped form; pressing the plane mirror onto the parabolic shaped form, resulting in the parabolic curved mirror; and fixing the parabolic curved mirror by applying an adhesive to the back surface of the parabolic curved mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Yagil Eran
  • Publication number: 20100183840
    Abstract: A siding member having longitudinally-oriented reinforcement fibers material extending substantially the entire length of the member contained therein, and an optional meshed reinforcement material contained therein and/or an optional foam insert at least partially enveloped by a cementitious shell. The siding member is molded from cementitious slurry, including gypsum cement and a latex/water mixture, or a hydraulic cement. An amount of the slurry is added onto a bottom mold surface portion to a desired depth and/or weight, along with the longitudinally-oriented reinforcement fibers and the optional meshed reinforcement material and/or any optional foam insert. After sufficient curing, the siding member is removed from the mold and is ready for immediate use and/or further processing. Alternatively, a continuous method is also provided for producing relatively long lengths of the siding that can be cut to an appropriate size, without the need to produce individual siding members of limited size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Richard Logan, Thomas J. Baker
  • Patent number: 7748972
    Abstract: Tensioning installation for the frameworks of pre-tensioned architectural elements designed for the two-way pre-tensioning of concrete or mortar plates, or the like, comprising a molding assembly made up of a flat molding plate (3) delimited on the perimeter by adjustably positioning side walls (4). The assembly rests on an oversized support platform (1)on which the molding assembly is surrounded by a perimeter area (10) of support platform (1) proper, in which perimeter area (10) hydraulic tensioning devices (7) are provided, which are integral to support platform (1) and are arranged in juxtaposition forming opposite facing pairs according to rectilinear alignments forming a grid. Said hydraulic tensioning devices (7) are all connected together serially forming a hydraulic circuit (8) which, in turn, is connected to a hydraulic pressure connection point (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Carlos Fradera Pellicer
  • Patent number: 7744360
    Abstract: A process for making a toothbrush head comprising widthways adjacent sections, the process comprising the stages of first making the head in an injection moulding process with the sections relatively spaced apart from each other in a widthways direction, then secondly moving the sections of the so formed head relatively spaced closer to each other in a widthways direction. An apparatus for performing the process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Winfried Ebner, Hans Kraemer, Berthold Meyer, Andreas Walgenbach
  • Patent number: 7727446
    Abstract: A manufactured building system has a pair of pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors. The pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors are adapted to contact each other on one parallel side edge to form peripheral edges and a central joining edge. A part of a building is coupled to a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor. Also described is a Method of Transporting the pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors with the partial building coupled there to, to a site. Also described is a Method of Manufacturing a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20100119635
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding a component onto a stretched blank. The apparatus includes a stretching assembly mounted adjacent to a first mold part. The stretching assembly includes a plurality of clamp assemblies that grasp the peripheral edge of the blank and a plurality of slide assemblies that move the clamp assemblies away from one another to apply a stretch to the fabric. The apparatus further includes a press for closing a second mold part onto the first mold part while the fabric is held in a stretched condition by the stretching assembly. In one embodiment, the stretching assembly may include a float plate that is movable with respect to the first mold part between a stretch position and a mold position. The apparatus may include a robot with tooling for moving the fabric onto the stretching assembly. The tooling may include a plurality of shot pins that push the fabric off of the tooling onto corresponding fabric pins in the stretching machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Randy J. Sayers, Pierre Tremblay, Kelly E. Washburn, Kenneth A. Longstreet
  • Publication number: 20100109208
    Abstract: A multi-segment tool and tooling system for vacuum forming a composite part. A tool can include a first tool having first and second surfaces. A second tool can have an opening positioned on a first tool in a location other than the first surface or the second surface. The first tool and second tool can receive at least a portion of a preform composite. The first tool can have a vacuum barrier attached to the first surface and to the second surface encapsulating the preform composite and the second tool. A tooling system can include a first tool having a core and a base with a core extending upwards from the base. A second tool can be positioned upon the core where the core extends above the second tool. A vacuum barrier sealed to the base and the core can include a composite, the first tool and the second tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Claude Marc Hubert, Michael John Layland, Lee A. Tichenor, Michael Ray Aten, Ron Long
  • Publication number: 20100072676
    Abstract: Mattresses and methods for processing a flexible foam material for use in a mattress to provide a mattress foam material that has more consistent firmness over time and area. The methods include pre-conditioning the foam pad or mattress by applying a force across a substantial portion of a major surface of the mattress to compress or stretch the height of the foam, the length of the foam, and/or the width of the foam to break or open closed cells. In certain embodiments, the force is applied by repeatedly pressing a platen against the foam pad or placing the foam pad between one or more rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Richard F. Gladney, Michael S. DeFranks, Ronald M. Herrington, Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 7677873
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding a component onto a stretched blank. The apparatus includes a stretching assembly mounted adjacent to a first mold part. The stretching assembly includes a plurality of clamp assemblies that grasp the peripheral edge of the blank and a plurality of slide assemblies that move the clamp assemblies away from one another to apply a stretch to the fabric. The apparatus further includes a press for closing a second mold part onto the first mold part while the fabric is held in a stretched condition by the stretching assembly. In one embodiment, the stretching assembly may include a float plate that is movable with respect to the first mold part between a stretch position and a mold position. The apparatus may include a robot with tooling for moving the fabric onto the stretching assembly. The tooling may include a plurality of shot pins that push the fabric off of the tooling onto corresponding fabric pins in the stretching machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Sayers, Pierre Tremblay, Kelly E. Washburn, Kenneth A. Longstreet
  • Publication number: 20100009113
    Abstract: A method forming a fastener in-situ for fastening two parts at abutting surfaces. A through hole may be formed on each of the first and second parts such that the diameters of the through holes at the abutting surfaces are smaller than the diameters at opposing surfaces. The first and second parts are abutted with the through hole on the first part in fluid communication with the through hole on the second part. A flowable and hardenable material is injected into the first through hole while closing flow out of the second through hole. The flowable and hardenable material contained within the through holes is allowed to harden, thus forming a unitary fastener that fastens the parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norman B. Desrosiers, Dean F. Herring
  • Publication number: 20090309262
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a preform from a material having a first edge and a second edge utilizing a mandrel. The method comprises the step of extruding the material through an extruder to form an extrudate. The first edge of the extrudate has a configuration complementary to a configuration of the second edge of the extrudate. The method also includes wrapping the material around the mandrel by abutting the first edge and the second edge to form a spiral joint. The invention uses a manufacturing apparatus comprising a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws for forming the extrudate. The mandrel receives the extrudate and a pressure-applying device adjacent to the mandrel engages the extrudate and applies pressure to the spiral joint to create a smooth exterior surface of the extrudate and to define the preform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: CENTURY, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas W. McCullough, James E. Schuetz, Neil Anderson, Justin LaCosse, Thomas D. Wood
  • Publication number: 20090220660
    Abstract: In the process, at least one piece of meat is destructured by fragmenting it, and the meat fragments are transformed into a restructured meat article. The fragments are transformed into a restructured meat article by: forming a block of meat fragments by cohesive compaction of the meat fragments; removing at least a portion of the block, termed a preform; and compressing the preform between complementary surfaces for molding the preform. The meat fragment compacting device comprises two conveyor belts for cohesive compaction of the meat fragments, the belts converging from upstream to downstream relative to a direction of movement of the meat fragments. The device for compressing a preform for a meat article comprises pistons having surfaces for molding the preform, which surfaces vary from one piston to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: CONVIVIAL
    Inventor: Jean Meunier
  • Publication number: 20090146342
    Abstract: A hip spacer mold forming a spacer with a spacer stem connected to a spacer head has a stem portion for forming a spacer stem. The hip spacer mold also has a plurality of interchangeable head modules configured for alternatively forming spacer heads of a plurality of different predetermined sizes. The head modules are configured to be disposed adjacent the stem portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Sean HANEY, Scott M. Sporer, Michael E. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20090072442
    Abstract: An apparatus for molding plastics having relief decorations includes a mold, a foil, and a transport. The mold defines a cavity therein. The foil has a printed layer, and relief patterns are provided on the printed layer. The transport is used for transporting the foil with the printed layer thereon into the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Yuan Chang
  • Publication number: 20090057955
    Abstract: Disclosed is a resin molding apparatus capable of enhancing transfer accuracy, reducing the cost of a molding apparatus, and shortening a molding cycle. The resin molding apparatus includes a first mold; a second mold disposed in opposition to the first mold; a transfer plate (34) attached to one of the first and second molds and comprising a transfer surface bearing a pattern of pits and projections and oriented toward a cavity (C1, C2); and a thermal insulation layer (40) disposed between the transfer plate (34) and the one of the first and second molds and formed through growth from the transfer plate (34) side or from the one of the first and second mold sides. Being disposed between the transfer plate (34) and the one of the first and second molds, the thermal insulation layer (40) can restrain dissipation of thermal energy of a molding material toward the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Toru Hirata
  • Patent number: 7497981
    Abstract: A system for producing composite or bonded metal components including: first and second pressure chambers, each pressure chamber having an elastically deformable chamber wall; means for circulating fluid at an elevated temperature and pressure through each said pressure chamber; and at least one mould assembly including at least one separate mould section providing a mould cavity within which a composite or bonded metal lay-up can be located; wherein when the system is in use, the pressure chambers are held together with the elastically deformable chamber walls located in opposing relation, the at least one mould assembly containing a said lay-up being accomodated between the chamber walls while fluid at elevated temperature and pressure is circulated through each pressure chamber such that the lay-up can be compressed and cured or formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Quickstep Technology Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Neil Graham
  • Publication number: 20090041913
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a system for producing a filled consumable product, in particular a shell-like consumable product consisting of at least two different substances which form the covering and/or shell of the consumable product and the second filling the consumable product. Said method comprises the following steps: a) a covering, which comprises an opening, is produced; b) a filling is added to the covering via an opening; and c) a cover is applied to the opening in order to close the filled covering. The filling is added according to step b) and the cover is applied according to step c) which takes place simultaneously in one step. Means for adding the filling and means for applying the cover can be displaced together and at a constant distance according to the inventive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Rainer Weber, Daniel Walgarth
  • Publication number: 20080246184
    Abstract: Process for moulding sheets possessing, locally, a three-dimensional projecting or recessed structure (6), in which a blank sheet (7) is placed between the two parts of a mould, the surface of which corresponds to the negative (2) of said three-dimensional structure. At least one portion of the surface of the mould surrounding said negative possesses a feature intended to form a local reservoir able to supply or receive material of the three-dimensional structure depending on whether it is projecting or recessed, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: RENOLIT AG
    Inventors: Giorgio Venere, Adriano Odino
  • Publication number: 20080241295
    Abstract: An embedment device for use in a cementitious panel production line such as a structural cementitious panel (SCP) production line wherein hydraulic cement slurry is transported on a moving web on a support frame, and chopped fibers are deposited upon the slurry. The device includes as one embodiment, a wire grid structure mounted on a reciprocating shaft driven by a piston which moves the grid down into the slurry and then up out of the slurry transverse of the travel of the slurry layer on the web. An alternative embodiment device includes a grid cell structure with thin walls extending upward from the grid surface in contact with the slurry that is moved up and down in a reciprocating motion transverse of the travel of the slurry layer on the web. The intermeshing relationship of the grid cell with the fiber and slurry enhances embedment of the fibers into the slurry and also prevents clogging of the device by fibers and prematurely set slurry particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Ashish DUBEY
  • Publication number: 20080203622
    Abstract: A system for producing composite or bonded metal components including: first and second pressure chambers, each pressure chamber having an elastically deformable chamber wall; means for circulating fluid at an elevated temperature and pressure through each said pressure chamber; and at least one mould assembly including at least one separate mould section providing a mould cavity within which a composite or bonded metal lay-up can be located; wherein when the system is in use, the pressure chambers are held together with the elastically deformable chamber walls located in opposing relation, the at least one mould assembly containing a said lay- up being accommodated between the chamber walls while fluid at elevated temperature and pressure is circulated through each pressure chamber such that the lay-up can be compressed and cured or formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: QUICKSTEP TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventor: Neil Graham
  • Publication number: 20080179772
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a composite chassis piece (16, 28) for a motor vehicle, in particular, for production of a roof module in a tool (10), comprising a first (14) and a second tool part (12) which may be adjusted relative to each other. An outer skin (16) is laid in the first tool part, at least one part (24) of the circumferential region (22) of the side of the outer skin facing the first tool part is tightly inserted in a sealing arrangement (18) provided on the first tool part, plastic material (28) is applied to the side of the outer skin facing away from the first tool part, whereby a shaping of the plastic material is performed by the second tool part and the composite chassis piece is released from the seal arrangement and removed from the tool. The invention further relates to a corresponding tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Matthias Dichtl, Frank Kiesewetter, Norbert Elbs
  • Publication number: 20080160123
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming filter tubes comprises delivering a filter element to a flute on a first drum having vacuum for securing the filter element thereto. First and second tube forming rollers axially engage opposite ends of the filter element. A second drum accepts and cuts a continuous paper web with a glue pattern thereon into paper pieces, and a cut paper piece is delivered to the filter element. The paper piece is then rolled around the filter element and the tube forming rollers to form a cylindrical shape. The tube forming rollers are axially disengaged to thereby produce a filter tube with hollow ends and a control positioned filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, Jeremy J. Straight
  • Publication number: 20080145608
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite sheet includes perforating a reinforcement panel. A mold surface onto which the composite sheet may be formed is provided. At least one outer coat of material is applied onto the mold surface. At least one coat of resin and reinforcement material is applied over the outer coat to form a reinforcement layer. The perforated reinforcement panel is applied to the reinforcement layer, and the resin is forced into the perforations formed in the reinforcement panel, thereby bonding the reinforcement layer to the reinforcement panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: James G. Bledsoe, Donald C. Ray, Mark E. Farver
  • Patent number: 7343718
    Abstract: This invention relates to pole structures used for supporting transmission and distribution lines, lighting and communications systems, highway signs, traffic signals, and the like. More specifically, this invention relates to a new and useful design of a multi-sectioned pole, with at least one telescoping upper section made of metal or another similar lightweight material and a base section composed of concrete or similar material that can be directly embedded into the ground without the need for baseplate-type foundations, or other preparatory work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Newmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl R. Foust, Wesley J. Oliphant, Fouad H. Fouad, Kenneth L. Sharpless
  • Patent number: 7331776
    Abstract: An impression device for food items. More particularly, the present invention is a stamping device designed to create images upon a variety of foods for decoration and/or marketing purposes. The stamper device of the present invention has the general appearance of a traditional rubber stamp, with large knob at the top to quickly adjust the depth of embossings. Small wings beside the knob provide an instant feature for orientation and comfortable ergonomic grip. The device provides both an emboss-only mode, and emboss-and-cut simultaneously mode, much in the manner of a cookie cutter. A simple snap means located at the bottom of the device functions to change such modes. Under the base of the device is a “socket set” style snap-in stamping die. As is the case with the roller device, the stamper device may be utilized for: 1) standard messages and images; 2) snap-in letters, which allows the user to assemble his or her own custom message; or 3) custom logos, messages, and images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Gourmet Impressions, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Ben Errera
  • Publication number: 20080031990
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for manufacturing a megapixel multi-focus lens. The lens manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes a loading means for supplying a mold body, in which a blank, interposed between upper and lower molds, is placed, to a forming position, a compression-forming means, which preheats, compresses and cools the supplied mold body such that the blank is formed into a multi-focus lens having an aspherical surface, and a discharge means, which discharges the multi-focus lens formed by the compression-forming means. Therefore, processes from loading to discharging can be automated, so that the productivity of the apparatus for manufacturing the multi-focus lens can be markedly enhanced. Furthermore, because the lens manufacturing apparatus is covered with a cabinet, a superior appearance thereof is ensured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Myung Sung Woo, Dong Yeon Jung, Sung Ho Han, Yun Hyng Lee, Jung Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 7290338
    Abstract: Disclosed are an electric pole manufacturing apparatus having an improved distal end, capable of reducing the cost, arranging tensile cores corresponding to a design load, and providing a high quality electric pole, and a method of manufacturing the electric pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hammtek Asia, Inc.
    Inventors: Seung Soo Kim, Jung Ho Kong
  • Patent number: 7216842
    Abstract: A pocket former includes an outer barrel having a first rim, a second rim and a frustoconical body portion extending from the first rim to the second rim. A center barrel is connected to the outer barrel and has a proximal lip adjacent the first rim of the outer barrel, a distal lip adjacent the second rim of the outer barrel, and a tubular body portion extending from the proximal lip to the distal lip, and extends beyond both the first rim and the second rim. An annular flange curves out and away from the second rim of the outer barrel. A spiral surface is located on the frustoconical body portion of the outer barrel. A nut surface is located on the tubular body portion of the center barrel adjacent the distal lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Lomont Molding, Inc.
    Inventor: Virgil Allen Watson
  • Patent number: 7143991
    Abstract: A reinforcing bar joint sleeve fixing device for fixing a reinforcing bar joint sleeve disposed in the interior of precast concrete to a molding form in fabricating a precast concrete structure with use of the molding form, which device permits both axial and radial positions of the reinforcing bar joint sleeve to be set positively and is employable repeatedly, the reinforcing bar joint sleeve fixing device comprises a cylindrical ring member disposed in the interior of a reinforcing bar joint sleeve, a plurality of slide pins fitted in an outer wall of the ring member so as to be slidable radially outwards, an elastic ring for pressing the plural slide pins radially inwards, a shaft formed of a head portion and a rod portion concentric with the head portion, the head portion being received in the interior of the ring member and having a conical shape which is larger in diameter toward axially the inside of the reinforcing bar joint sleeve, an insertion hole formed in the molding form for insertion therethrou
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Splice Sleeve Japan, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Hirokawa, Ichiro Kano
  • Patent number: 7137800
    Abstract: A prestressed concrete casting apparatus includes a prestressing element (e.g., wire cable or rod) pretensioning fixture of simple easy to use construction, and great strength/rigidity for withstanding considerable pretensioning forces. Advantageously, a clamshell-type mold form may be used together with the pretensioning fixture, in such a manner that the mold form is easily properly locatable on the pretensioning fixture. The form can be removed for reuse without moving the pretensioning fixture or otherwise disturbing the casting, which is permitted to continue to cure in the stationary pretensioning fixture. Maintaining the pretensioning fixture stationary during the process lends greater structural integrity and stability to the pretensioning fixture under the considerable forces set-up by the pretensioning of the prestressing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Power Poles, Inc.
    Inventor: Adriel E. Longo
  • Patent number: 7081221
    Abstract: An article of textile-soled footwear and method of making employ a simple fabrication process and apparatus that allows fabrication of the footwear outer shell via a single injection-molding step. The article of footwear has a textile layer at the ground-contacting surface of the outsole, the textile layer being moldably and integrally attached, in a common mold, to the molded outsole as it is being created during the injection process. Fasteners are set along the side of the sole plate of the injection mold to secure the textile layer across the sole plate and prevent it from being moved during injection of the moldable compound to form the outsole. The sole plate and the sidewalls of the injection mold are assembled in place for the injection process. The shoe upper is fitted onto the shoe last and set in place in the mold, the mold is closed, and the moldable compound is injected into the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen L. Paratore, Bilo Tsui
  • Patent number: 7066081
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for making soft cheese or fresh paste cheese comprising at least a first set of perforated cheese-moulds and at least a second set of perforated cheese-moulds arranged in a chamber. The invention is characterized in that said first and second sets of cheese-moulds are designed to be fitted one into the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Bernard Derode
  • Patent number: 6913717
    Abstract: A method of constructing a rail track in which a concrete track slab is produced and rail track anchor members are inserted in the track slab by an inserter system mobile along the route of the rail track includes the following steps: using a machine for continuously pouring concrete to produce two concrete walls laterally delimiting the edges of the track slab to be poured; pouring the concrete track slab between the walls; and using the inserter system to insert anchor members in the freshly poured track slab, the tie plate inserter system being adjusted accurately by a measuring station, topographical survey points, a measuring system, and reflectors carried by the inserter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventors: Marc Sayadi, Yvan Skific
  • Patent number: 6877688
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to prepare strand segments of predetermined length for use in a molded concrete product at an assembly facility. The strand segments are loaded into a strand reel (10) having multiple slots. The strand reel is then transported to the mold site. At the mold site, the strand segments can be simultaneously pulled out from the strand reel for placement in the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Hamilton Form Co., Inc.
    Inventors: A. Kenneth Jordan, Timothy D. Pearce, Gregory L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 6877973
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a lens sheet comprises an application device, a substrate supply device, a pressing device and an irradiation device. The application device applies ionizing radiation curing type resin in the form of liquid on the upper surface of a forming die for a lens sheet to form an uncured resin body on the upper surface of the forming die. The substrate supply device places a substrate on the uncured resin body. The pressing device presses the substrate against the uncured resin body to flatten the uncured resin body, so as to form a uncured resin layer, while spreading the uncured resin body to an outside periphery of the forming die. The irradiation device irradiates ionizing radiation on the uncured resin layer through the substrate to cure the uncured resin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Matsumoto, Hitomu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6842960
    Abstract: A method is disclosed to feed strand (30) through apertures (214) in bearing plates (60) and bulkheads (202) in a mold (62). A collar (210) can be attached to a rod (208) for limited motion relative thereto, including rotation relative the rod about its elongate axis. The end (96) of the strand (30) is received in a cylindrical receptacle (232) in the collar and the strand can then be used to push the rod, collar and strand through the apertures. A strand feeder rack (56) can be used to simultaneously feed a number of strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Hamilton Form Co., Inc.
    Inventors: A. Kenneth Jordan, James L. Dietrick
  • Patent number: 6841110
    Abstract: A method for the production of prestressed concrete products and a plant for implementing the method. Moulds provided with pretensioned wires are moved through fixed casting machines into a hardening space. In the hardening space, the combination of mould and product is lifted sideways from the casting line before hardening, using synchronised lifting equipment. The combination may be stacked for space economy. After hardening, the product is removed from the mould using the same lifting equipment. The moulds are returned to the beginning of the casting line, during which stage they are cleaned and refurbished. The products are transferred to cutting and finishing stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Addtek Research Development OY AB
    Inventors: Aimo Seppänen, Heikki Kankkunen
  • Publication number: 20040159974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of molding and apparatus. The method and apparatus utilize a pin assembly comprising a plurality of pins wherein each pin has a fixed x-coordinate position, a fixed y-coordinate position, and is moveable in a z-coordinate position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Carolyn Anderson Fischer
  • Patent number: 6773650
    Abstract: A prestressed concrete casting apparatus includes a prestressing element (e.g., wire cable or rod) pretensioning fixture of simple easy to use construction, and great strength/rigidity for withstanding considerable pretensioning forces. Advantageously, a clamshell-type mold form may be used together with the pretensioning fixture, in such a manner that the mold form is easily properly locatable on the pretensioning fixture. The form can be removed for reuse without moving the pretensioning fixture or otherwise disturbing the casting, which is permitted to continue to cure in the stationary pretensioning fixture. Maintaining the pretensioning fixture stationary during the process lends greater structural integrity and stability to the pretensioning fixture under the considerable forces set-up by the pretensioning of the prestressing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Power Poles, Inc.
    Inventor: Adriel Emilio Longo
  • Patent number: 6752615
    Abstract: A forming mold for a lens sheet is to be used for molding ionizing radiation curing type resin into the lens sheet by applying the resin in the form of liquid on the upper surface of the forming mold, placing a substrate on the resin and pressing the substrate and the resin against the forming mold from a pressing-starting side of the forming mold to a pressing-finishing side thereof by means of a pressing roller. The forming mold comprises a mold body and a receiving member. The receiving member receives a superfluous amount of the ionizing radiation curing type resin. The receiving member is provided on at least pressing-finishing side of a periphery of the mold body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukifumi Uotani
  • Publication number: 20040113315
    Abstract: A system for producing composite or bonded metal components including: first and second pressure chambers, each pressure chamber having an elastically deformable chamber wall; means for circulating fluid at an elevated temperature and pressure through each said pressure chamber; and at least one mould assembly including at least one separate mould section providing a mould cavity within which a composite or bonded metal lay-up can be located; wherein when the system is in use, the pressure chambers are held together with the elastically deformable chamber walls located in opposing relation, the at least one mould assembly containing a said lay-up being accomodated between the chamber walls while fluid at elevated temperature and pressure is circulated through each pressure chamber such that the lay-up can be compressed and cured or formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Neil Graham
  • Publication number: 20040089976
    Abstract: There is provided a composite drive shaft fabrication apparatus comprising stiffening mold members and a cylindrical mold with receiving grooves designed to receive the elongated stiffening mold members. Also provided is a composite drive shaft made of composite fibrous material in a cylindrical shape holding the elongated stiffening mold members in place. A method for making the composite drive shaft is also provided, where a layer of composite fibrous material is wrapped around the cylindrical mold, the stiffening mold members inserted, and a second layer wrapped around the mold. The composite drive shaft consolidated and the cylindrical mold is removed. There is also provided an apparatus for use in composite drive shaft construction comprising two layers of composite fibrous material with a plurality of elongated stiffening mold members positioned between them. Also provided is a method of use for such an apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies
    Inventors: Douglas J. Bradley, Brian E. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6719938
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for underlaying a flexible top material with plastic inside a cavity, which is formed between a female mold core plate and a mold core, with a dipping edge on the female mold side and another dipping edge on the mold core side, which bound a dipping edge gap that adjoins the cavity, into which gap the top material situated in the cavity extends. The dipping edge on the female mold side is formed on a dipping edge slider that is movably mounted on the female mold plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Franz Josef Summerer
  • Publication number: 20040052884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of pressing a bearing jacket (2) onto a monolith (3) of a catalytic converter, in particular in a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: J.EBERSPACHER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Schug, Bernd Muller, Gerhard Bungert
  • Patent number: 6706230
    Abstract: An auxiliary jig used with a couple of jigs for forming a structure made of a fiber-reinforced composite by heating under a pressure. The auxiliary jig is provided between the jigs while heating the structure under a pressure to prevent the jigs from falling down and to restrain a resin contained in the fiber-reinforced composite from flowing out from an interspace between the jigs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiichi Sato, Yuki Kasahara, Junichi Kondo
  • Patent number: 6652791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a reinforced oblong concrete product for longitudinal load-bearing purposes, in particular a driving pile. According to the present invention reinforcing fibers are used to prevent break-up of the concrete due to radial forces which occur during driving, and the concrete composition is provided with said reinforcing fibers before the concrete composition is applied to the reinforcing wire. This method reduces the amount of heavy labour and cost. The invention also relates to a driving pile comprising reinforcing fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Cornelis Peters
  • Publication number: 20030214074
    Abstract: The bottom mold portion for a transfer molding system is covered with a deformable material. During mold clamping, the deformable material contacts the bottom surface of the packaging substrate on which the integrated circuit die is mounted. Deformation of this relatively soft covering on the bottom mold portion accommodates thickness variations in the packaging substrate, as well as non-planarity of the adhesive layer between the integrated circuit die and packaging substrate in exposed active area integrated circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Hundt, Tiao Zhou