Plural Sources Feeding The Fluent Material Patents (Class 425/120)
  • Patent number: 6692245
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a frame including a rigid thermoplastic portion and a resilient portion defining a lip seal. In particular, a core/cavity mold assembly is provided, wherein the rigid thermoplastic portion is formed, by opening the mold assembly while maintaining the rigid thermoplastic portion in the core, placing the core in line with a second cavity configured and sized to form the lip seal and molding the lip seal directly onto the rigid thermoplastic portion. The mold cavity is provided with movable internal and external stripper rings that allow the resilient portion to be removed from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: IPL Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Lanoue, Jean-Francois Lavoie, Randall Leach, Gary Meyers
  • Patent number: 6685456
    Abstract: A golf ball mold comprises an upper portion (1) and a lower portion (3). A large number of projections (7) for dimple formation are provided on a cavity surface (5) of each of the upperportion (1) and the lower portion (3). The joining surface of the upper portion (1) and the lower portion (3) has a concavo-convex shape. In each of the upper portion (1) and the lower portion (3), each of the numbers of convex and concave sections is three to five. Each of the convex sections has two to eight projections (7) on a first line from the joining surface. At least one of the projections (7) on the first line from the joining surface in each of the convex sections is constituted such that an equation (I) is established: R×0.8≦L≦R×1.2  (I). In the equation (I), R represents a radius of the projection (7) and L represents a linear distance in a vertical direction between a center of the projection (7) and the joining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Sajima
  • Patent number: 6682331
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for molding light emitting diode (LED) lamps. A mold frame is provided around each LED chip in an array. A first mold insert is placed in the mold frame and light converting material comprising a carrier and light converting particles is injected into the first mold insert to form a light converting molding around each LED chip. The first mold insert is removed. A second mold insert is placed in the mold frame and lens material is injected into the first mold insert to form a lens molding around the light converting molding for each LED chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Kheng Guan Peh, Chien Chai Lye
  • Patent number: 6679696
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a mold that includes a first cavity defining a toothbrush body, a first injection unit in fluid communication with the first cavity and a second cavity, and a second injection unit also in fluid communication with the first cavity. An apparatus is also provided that includes a mold that includes a first cavity defining a toothbrush body, a second cavity defining a toothbrush body, where the first cavity and the second cavity define substantially identical toothbrush bodies, a first injection unit in fluid communication with the first cavity and a second injection unit incapable of being in fluid communication with the second cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Gillette Canada Company
    Inventors: Mark Edward McConnell, Michael Frank Fryauf, Declan Connolly, Gerald S. Szczech
  • Publication number: 20030209817
    Abstract: Provided is a molding apparatus for molding simultaneously a plurality of semiconductor devices. The molding apparatus includes a mold, a plurality of plungers, and a plunger block. The mold is prepared to mold a plurality of semiconductor devices. The plurality of plungers are plunged into the mold to inject a molding compound that will encapsulate the semiconductor devices in the mold. The plurality of plungers are assembled with the plunge block to operate at the same time. Each of the plurality of plungers includes a load sensor and/or a contact sensor, so as to sense separately whether the plungers are improperly operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Soo Lee, Dae-Sung Lee, Kyung-Soo Park
  • Patent number: 6638393
    Abstract: The present invention comprises apparatus for the manufacture improved structural panel with synthetic ingredients, such as vermiculite and fibers. The improved structural panel achieves enhanced lateral and surface integrity by the use of fibers within the core of the structural panel and adhesives and smooth materials (such as foil) as a surface coating. The apparatus is particularly suited for manufacture of the structural panel at low cost and high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Enviro-Ply International, Inc.
    Inventor: Warren Lehan
  • Patent number: 6634877
    Abstract: An injection molding machine for forming a multi-layer plastic article by over molding where the second layer of the article includes a portion having a different geometrical profile than the first. The injection mold machine comprises an array of one or more cores which engage arrays of one or more first cavity and arrays of one or more composite cavities. Each composite cavity is formed from the combination of a second cavity and a cavity extension which carries at least a portion of the different geometrical profile. In one embodiment, the cavity extension comprises a pair of cavity portions which are mounted adjacent the core to laterally moveable slides on a movable platen. In another embodiment, the cavity extension is a single element which is moved between a disengaged position wherein the core can be inserted into the first cavity and an engaged position wherein the core is inserted into the composite cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Sicilia, Robert Schad, Tom Mcginley, Doug Hietkamp, Bruce Catoen
  • Patent number: 6604926
    Abstract: In an apparatus for and method of producing absorbent pads from a flock-air mixture which is fed through a feed conduit to a shaping recess carrier to form the respective absorbent pad, the carrier rotates or circulates in a predetermined direction of operation. For excess air in the region of the flock-laying device is to be sucked away in a simple fashion without adversely affecting the process of shaping the absorbent pad, the feed conduit feeding the flock-air mixture to the carrier is branched into at least first and second conduits, the first conduit carrying a first partial flow of the mixture and the second conduit carrying a second partial flow thereof. The first and second conduits are directed on to the carrier in such a way that the second partial flow meets the carrier substantially downstream of the first partial flow in the direction of operation of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Winkler + Dünnebier Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Armin Geisen, Ulrich Mertgen, Sascha Haase
  • Publication number: 20030130068
    Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball having one or more deep dimples are disclosed. The apparatus is a molding assembly for making a golf ball which includes a mold body that defines a molding cavity. The molding cavity is adapted to accommodate and preferably retain a golf ball core during a molding operation of one or more layers about the core. The molding assembly includes at least one material flow inlet, at least one material flow channel extending between and providing fluid communication with the material flow inlet and the molding cavity. The molding cavity includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion that forms a deep dimple that extends through the cover of the golf ball to and/or into the underlying component of the golf ball upon molding. The outwardly extending protrusion has a height greater than or equal to the thickness of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6533566
    Abstract: An apparatus for making a golf ball is disclosed. The apparatus is a molding assembly for making a golf ball which includes a mold body that defines a molding cavity. The molding cavity is adapted to accommodate and preferably retain a golf ball core during a molding operation of one or more layers about the core. The molding assembly includes at least one material flow inlet, at least one material flow channel extending between and providing fluid communication with a material flow inlet and the molding cavity. At least one portion of the material flow channel has a plurality of bends and at least one branching intersection adapted to promote turbulence in a liquid flowing therethrough. A method of making a golf ball is also disclosed. A golf ball made from the disclosed molding apparatus and/or process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Tzivanis, Eric G. Johnston, Mario Jarmuzewski, Gary P. Mendrala, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Viktor Keller
  • Publication number: 20030047830
    Abstract: A first injection mechanism of an apparatus for molding articles injects coating material into a cavity defined in a clamped mold, thereby forming a predetermined coating on the inner surface of the cavity. After the coating material is injected into the cavity, a decompression mechanism lowers the pressure in the cavity through at least one vent. After the coating is formed on the inner surface of the cavity, a second injection mechanism injects molding material into the cavity. When the pressure in the cavity is being lowered, an opening-closing mechanism opens the vent. Before or during the injection of the molding material, the opening-closing mechanism closes the vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Takayuki Ito, Katsumi Takahashi, Toshihiko Asaya
  • Publication number: 20030047832
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a multicolor slide fastener includes an upper die 110, a lower die 120, and a plurality of unit fastening teeth-forming slots 101 formed in a lengthwise direction. Molding material-injecting passages and a plurality of sprue holes 102 are provided for injecting the molding materials S into the slots 101. Inclined passages 201 and 202 are connected to the molding material injecting passages respectively, for carrying the molding materials S from a raw material source. Heaters 240 and heat sensors 241 heat the passages 201 and 202. Pressing means 300 press the molding materials S into the inclined passages 201 and 202. Valves 400 control injection of the molding materials S into the sprue holes 102 of the upper die 110.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Young-Chul Kang
  • Publication number: 20030044548
    Abstract: Device for the bordering of decorative material (1), in particular a carpet, a fabric or a sheet, a border (4) being capable of being formed in a die mold (2) for back-pressing and/or back-injection, at least parts of the edge (3) of this decorative material (1), characterized in that this border (4) comprises a rim (7) which extends essentially at right angles to the main direction of extent (8) and along the edge (3) of this decorative material (1) and which is essentially at right angles to the main direction of extent (8) of the decorative material (1) and comprises a multiplicity of fingers (9) engaging over and/or under the decorative material (1), this rim (7) and these fingers (9) being capable of being produced in one piece and of being connected to the decorative material (1) in the same operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Georg Kaufmann
  • Publication number: 20020167119
    Abstract: An apparatus for molding a composite structure which includes an insert that is pervious to a flowable resin, and a mold having a cavity defining contiguous upper and lower portions. The upper portion is adapted to receive a fibrous pre-form, and the lower portion is adapted to receive the insert. The insert defines a volume to accommodate a pool of the flowable resin. Also, the insert preferably includes a plurality of fluid transferable elements. The fluid transferable elements preferably include a generally planar plate and an expanded metal pre-form, wherein the plate and the expanded metal pre-form are configured to facilitate resin flow in a direction generally orthogonal to a bottom surface of the mold to distribute the resin uniformly across the mold cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: W. Scott Hemphill
  • Publication number: 20020140122
    Abstract: An inventive mold is adapted to adhere skin materials having a boundary portion and a resin to each other, and is provided with a resin blocking member which is so embedded as to extend substantially along the boundary portion of the skin materials placed in the mold, and a movable member for projecting the resin blocking member from a molding surface. If such a mold is used, a flow of the resin supplied into the mold can be controlled by projecting the resin blocking member to thereby control an arrival timing of the resin at the boundary portion. Thus, displacement of the boundary portion and wrinkling can be securely prevented from occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Kobayashi, Nobuhiro Usui
  • Patent number: 6422851
    Abstract: The method includes the steps of a tape arranging step for arranging a support tape of a slide fastener on a mold having a capacity having a plurality of unit fastening element molding material grooves for molding a plurality of unit fastening elements, a molding material heating and discharge step for separating a molding material of more than two colors from a source material supply unit by the colors by a molding material injection means and then heating and discharging the same, a moving step for grouping external molding material flow paths from the molding material supply unit to an injection port of the mold into more than two groups and then moving different colors molding material by the colors, and an injection step for injecting the molding material into the unit fastening element molding material groove through a plurality of inject-on ports formed in the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Young-Chul Kang
  • Patent number: 6383428
    Abstract: A template is placed over a mold cavity, with the template including a series of orifices which extend over substantially the entire surface of the mold cavity. Molten plastic is passed through the orifices in a pattern corresponding to the shape of the article to be molded, and the molten plastic is formed into a molded article having the shape of the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: The University of Massachusetts
    Inventor: Thomas M. Ellison
  • Publication number: 20020027099
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a synthetic resin-made hollow member incorporating an intermediate element are provided which enable operations of molding half bodies, abutting and joining the half bodies together, and molding an intermediate element in a series of steps, and which eliminate the necessity of such a manual work as may otherwise be required in incorporating the intermediate element into the half bodies. A pair of rotary injection molding dies are used which can be opened and closed relative to each other and are rotatable relative to each other over an angle of 60° for each turn, each die having a half body molding section including one male molding portion and two female molding portions in the direction of rotation for each rotational run over an angle of 120°, each die also having an intermediate element molding portion provided between specified half body molding portions in the direction of each rotational run over an angle of 120°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Takemoto, Shoso Nishida
  • Publication number: 20020027098
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a synthetic resin-made hollow member incorporating an intermediate element are provided which enable operations of molding half bodies, abutting and joining the half bodies together, and molding an intermediate element in a series of steps, and which eliminate the necessity of such a manual work as may otherwise be required in incorporating the intermediate element into the half bodies. A pair of rotary injection molding dies are used which can be opened and closed relative to each other and are rotatable relative to each other over an angle of 60° for each turn, each die having a half body molding section including one male molding portion and two female molding portions in the direction of rotation for each rotational run over an angle of 120°, each die also having an intermediate element molding portion provided between specified half body molding portions in the direction of each rotational run over an angle of 120°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Takemoto, Shoso Nishida
  • Publication number: 20020020933
    Abstract: An injection molding method includes a holding step, a cavity forming step, a first injection step, a compression molding step, and a second injection step. In the holding step, a skin layer is held under tension by tension pins. In the cavity forming step, a male mold and a female mold are disposed in facing relation to each other, forming a molding cavity therebetween with a gap between the male and female molds being grater than the thickness of a door trim (body of synthetic resin) by a predetermined distance. In the first injection step, a molten synthetic resin is injected from a first injection gate into the molding cavity. In the compression molding step, the male mold and the female mold are displaced toward each other by the predetermined distance, compression-molding an upper portion (first portion) of the door trim of the molten synthetic resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: Ikuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sekiguchi, Minoru Imoto
  • Patent number: 6344164
    Abstract: An injection unit for injecting plastic into a cavity of a mold includes an injecting device connectable between an extrusion die and the mold. The injecting device includes a mouth having a plurality of openings that is insertable into the mold so that the plastic flows through the plural holes into the mold. A drive is connectable to at least a portion of the injecting device for rotating the mouth portion and the plural opening of the injecting device about a central axis as the plastic flows through the holes into the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignees: Mannesmann AG, Poranunt Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Glenn Tyler, Prajak Chiradejnant, Jürgen Bergedieck, Ansgar Jaeger
  • Patent number: 6328549
    Abstract: A film is placed over a mold cavity and molten plastic deposited thereon to form a combination of a film with molten plastic thereon. The film-molten plastic combination is then formed in said mold cavity into a molded article in the shape of the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: The Elizabeth and Sandor Valyi Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Emery I. Valyi, Arthur K. Delusky, Thomas M. Ellison, Herbert Rees
  • Publication number: 20010048180
    Abstract: A injection molding device for manufacturing golf balls is disclosed. The device includes first and second hemispherical mold halves that form an interior cavity where the injection molding process occurs. A plurality of retractable pins are preferably used to support a core within the mold cavity. The first and second mold halves further include a plurality of subgates. The subgates are connected to a runner system for delivery of a fluid stock material into the void of the cavity. The plurality of subgates includes a first and second set of subgates. The first set of subgates and the second set of subgates enter the respective cavities at an angle between 30 and 40 degrees to the parting line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: VAL J. CUPPLES
  • Patent number: 6315540
    Abstract: A molding die used for concurrently packaging semiconductor chips in a large piece of synthetic resin has a cavity rectangular in cross section and having two long peripheral lines and two short peripheral lines for accommodating a circuit panel where the semiconductor chips are mounted, melted synthetic resin is supplied through a gate extending along one of the long peripheral lines to the cavity so that the melted synthetic resin smoothly flows over the cavity, and the smooth flow prevents the molded product from voids and a wire weep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hisayuki Tsuruta
  • Publication number: 20010017430
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding and curing silicone includes a press, one nozzles operatively engaged to the press, a liquid cooled manifold plate disposed to cool the nozzles, a heatable top platen having nozzle receptacles therein to receive the nozzles therein and a mold plate having a mold cavity therein. The mold plate and top platen are oriented for placement in the injecting position to allow the top platen to contact the mold plate while the nozzles are inserted into the nozzle receptacles of the top platen so that silicone is injected into the mold plate and into the mold cavity. The apparatus may be placed in the curing position when the top platen is heated and contacts the mold plate to allow silicone injected in mold plate to cure. The apparatus may be placed in a home position where the mold plate is uncontacted by the heated top platen which is uncooled by the manifold plate in the home position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. Styczynski
  • Patent number: 6238194
    Abstract: An injection mold for golf balls defines a spherical cavity therein and has a parting plane extending coplanar with the equator of the cavity. A plurality of molding material injecting gates are arranged in the mold body along or near the cavity equator, and a plurality of retractable core support pins are disposed in the mold at areas other than the cavity equator and poles so that the core support pins may be moved toward and away from the cavity center. A cover having a uniform gage and a smooth surface can be injection molded to produce a golf ball without radial misalignment of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Inoue, Keisuke Ihara
  • Patent number: 6238195
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding and curing silicone includes a press, one nozzles operatively engaged to the press, a liquid cooled manifold plate disposed to cool the nozzles, a heatable top platen having nozzle receptacles therein to receive the nozzles therein and a mold plate having a mold cavity therein. The mold plate and top platen are oriented for placement in the injecting position to allow the top platen to contact the mold plate while the nozzles are inserted into the nozzle receptacles of the top platen so that silicone is injected into the mold plate and into the mold cavity. The apparatus may be placed in the curing position when the top platen is heated and contacts the mold plate to allow silicone injected in mold plate to cure. The apparatus may be placed in a home position where the mold plate is uncontacted by the heated top platen which is uncooled by the manifold plate in the home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Robert J. Styczynski
  • Patent number: 6173490
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a panel of packaged integrated circuits is disclosed. A substrate panel having an array of integrated circuits mounted thereon is placed in a mold having a molding chamber. The molding chamber has a multiplicity of adjacent package recesses flowably interconnected by way of a plurality of molding compound flowgates. Each package recess is suitable for receiving at least one associated integrated circuits. A molding compound is passed into the molding chamber by way of a mold gate such that at least some of the molding compound passes through a plurality of different package recesses by way of their associated flowgates. In one embodiment, the mold includes a mold body having a molding chamber with a plurality of ridges that define the multiplicity of package recesses within the molding chamber. The multiplicity of package recesses are flowably interconnected through flowgates formed by the ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Shaw Wei Lee, Hem P. Takiar, Fred Drummond
  • Patent number: 6168407
    Abstract: A golf ball mold includes a pair of mold sections which are removably mated along a parting line to define a spherical cavity by their concave surfaces which are provided with a plurality of dimple-forming projections. Some dimple-forming projections are located across the parting line, and molding material injecting gates or fin-forming pits are located near the respective projections. After a seamless golf ball having dimples on the parting line Is molded, any abrasion of the dimples on the parting line can be effectively avoided in the subsequent step of grinding off the fins and burrs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuki Kasashima, Hirotaka Shimosaka, Keisuke Ihara
  • Patent number: 6123534
    Abstract: A golf ball mold includes a pair of mold sections which are removably mated along a parting surface to define a spherical cavity by their concave surfaces. The concave surfaces are provided with a plurality of dimple-forming projections. Some dimple-forming projections are integrally formed in one mold section at the parting surface as raised knobs that protrude in a transverse direction over a distance of 1/2 to 1/4 of the projection diameter, and the other mold section is provided at the parting surface with recesses for receiving the raised knobs. Using the mold, seamless golf balls with improved flight performance can be molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuki Kasashima, Keisuke Ihara, Hirotaka Shimosaka
  • Patent number: 6093360
    Abstract: An injection mold includes a pair of mold sections which are removably mated to define a spherical cavity by their concave surfaces, support pins disposed in the mold sections for movement into and out of the cavity, and gates connected to the cavity for feeding a cover molding material from an injection molding machine into the cavity. A golf ball having a core and a cover is prepared by supporting the core in the cavity by the support pins, and injecting the cover molding material between the core and the cavity-defining surface through the gates, thereby molding the cover around the core. The gates are oriented relative to the cavity such that the cover molding material is injected in a direction off the center of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Inoue, Keisuke Ihara
  • Patent number: 6089847
    Abstract: A golf ball injection mold defines a spherical cavity therein. A parting plane is situated substantially at an equator of the cavity. A plurality of gates are disposed nearly along the equator. At least one gate is disposed nearly at a position corresponding to the cavity's north pole and at least one gate disposed nearly at a position corresponding to the cavity's south pole. A molding material is injected from an injection molding machine into the cavity through the gates. A steric arrangement of gates adapted to the cavity geometry permits a cover or intermediate layer of a uniform thickness to be formed around a core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Inoue, Keisuke Ihara
  • Patent number: 6063319
    Abstract: A method of injection molding a golf ball that includes a core and at least one cover layer disposed thereon is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of centering a core in a molding cavity, injecting a molten material into the cavity around the core at a plurality of locations such that the material simultaneously exerts a force on the core at each location. The forces have components that balance the core in three dimensions. Injection continues until the material covers the core and solidifies thereon. An injection mold for forming the golf ball is also disclosed. The mold includes a plurality of pins extending from a spherical outer surface of a molding cavity. The mold further includes a plurality of runners having radially extending portions that are non-aligned and terminate at gates for flowing a molten material in a fluid state into the cavity, and a means for simultaneously injecting the material into the cavity from the gates. The gates are at spaced locations on the surface of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Dalton, Robert A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6033202
    Abstract: An improved elastomeric mold for use in fabricating microstructures, the mold having first and second surfaces, the first surface including at least one recessed microchannel and the second surface including an access opening or filling member that extends through the mold to the first surface and communicates with the recessed microchannel. The mold is used by placing it onto a substrate with the recessed microchannel facing the substrate. The access opening of the mold is filled with a liquid material which is capable of solidifying. The access opening continuously introduces the liquid material into the space defined between the microchannel and the substrate. After the liquid material solidifies, the mold is removed from the substrate thereby leaving a microstructure formed from the solidified liquid material on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenan Bao, John A. Rogers
  • Patent number: 6033200
    Abstract: An apparatus for the prefabrication of glass blocks panel is provided. Glass blocks are spaced on a spacing rack such that upper and lower slots are formed between adjacent blocks and ajoint cavity defined therebetween. A pair of moving manifolds disposed at right angles to each other communicate with the glass blocks assembled on the spacing rack to internally caulk and seal the blocks together. The moving manifolds include vertically disposed feed tube devices, each including a pair of elongated feed tubes which are in a spring-like relation. The feed tubes include an aperture disposed on opposing surfaces proximate to the distal ends for simultaneous dispensing sealant into the upper and lower slots of adjacent glass blocks and a protruding distal end portion for simultaneously compressing the sealant into the lower and upper and lower slots of adjacent glass blocks as the sealant is released. The sealant used may be silicone, or any other adhesive that adheres naturally to glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Trend Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Fox
  • Patent number: 6024551
    Abstract: Golf balls are prepared using an injection mold defining a spherical cavity and having a plurality of gates for admitting a molding material into the cavity therethrough. The gates are arranged such that the maximum flow distance that the molding material admitted from each gate moves along the cavity-defining wall may be not greater than .sqroot.3.pi.r/4 wherein r is a radius of the cavity. Golf balls of quality having a cover with a uniform gage of 1 mm or less can be molded without short shots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiko Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6004497
    Abstract: A process for substantially covering with at least one non-rigid decorative foil a visible face of a support part of plastic material, so as to obtain a finished part including a decorative inset, including the steps of a) inserting into the mould the foil having a decorative area with the foil having a decorative area, intended to form the inset, and a further area, b) closing the mould at least partially by moving the two mould parts together such that the foil creates a continuous separation of the moulding cavity into a first space and a second space, c) inside the moulding cavity, cutting at least one aperture in the foil at the location of the further area, such that the first and second spaces of the cavity are placed in fluid communication by the at least one aperture which henceforth interrupts the separation between these two spaces so as to enable the plastic material to pass through the at least one aperture, leaving a cut end of the foil in the moulding cavity, d) before and/or after steps b) and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Allibert Industrie (societe en nom collectif)
    Inventors: Julien Bisognin, Ivan Baudouin, Sebastien Trillat
  • Patent number: 6000923
    Abstract: A mold assembly for manufacturing an outsole includes a female mold, a first male mold pivotally connected to a side of the male mold and a second male mold pivotally connected to an end of the male mold. A peripheral wall defining the cavity has a separating flange extending inwardly therefrom. Each of the first male mold and the second male mole has at least one protrusion extending therefrom through which at least one passage is defined. The protrusion of the first male mold is inserted into the cavity and an outer surface of the protrusion abuts the separating flange. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are inserted into the cavity in sequence and material is injected into the cavity via the passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Chie-Fang Lo
  • Patent number: 5942169
    Abstract: A method of over-molding used to produce a three-dimensional hollow molded article employs a core made of resin having a hollow portion. The core is placed in a cavity of a mold. Molten resin is injected into a space formed by the core and a cavity wall of the mold through a resin injection portion. In this way at least part of the outer surface of the core is covered with resin. Deformation of the core due to the pressure of the resin during injection is prevented in one of a number of different ways. The over-molding method is optimized by calculating a temperature distribution and a pressure distribution of the molten resin in the step of injecting the molten resin into the space by numerical analysis. The displacement distribution and for the stress distribution of the core caused by pressure applied to the core by flow of the molten resin is calculated by a numerical analysis on the basis of the calculated temperature distribution and pressure distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corp,
    Inventors: Norio Narazaki, Yutaka Shiraishi, Osamu Kakinoki
  • Patent number: 5928593
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding thermosetting polymers onto clothing. The apparatus includes at least one molding device, at least one polymer supply and a control system for controlling the operation of the molding devices and polymer supplies. The molding devices include die sets having an input member and a mold. The polymer supplies supply polymers for injection into the input members of the molding devices for use in molding three dimensional bodies of polymers onto substrates such as clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Donald G. Harrison
  • Patent number: 5925384
    Abstract: A manual loader for use in bypassing an automatic pellet feeder for an automold machine used to encapsulate integrated circuit assemblies in plastic. The loader has a support mounted adjacent the mold section of the machine. The loader also has at least one pellet boat which moves relative to the support into and out of said mold section. The pellet boat includes one or more pellet pots which are adapted to receive and hold a solid pellet of material. The loader has a release mechanism which is movable between a blocking position and a release position. The release mechanism retains the pellets in the pellet pots in the blocking position and releases the pellets from the pots when manipulated to the release position for dropping the pellets into a mold of the machine's mold section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd O. Bolken, Mark S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5914082
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding thermosetting polymers onto clothing. The apparatus includes at least one molding device, at least one polymer supply and a control system for controlling the operation of the molding devices and polymer supplies. The molding devices include die sets having an input member and a mold. The polymer supplies supply polymers for injection into the input members of the molding devices for use in molding three dimensional bodies of polymers onto substrates such as clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Donald G. Harrison
  • Patent number: 5879598
    Abstract: A centrifuge (18) is used to introduce a fluid, particularly a viscous fluid such as an encapsulating resin, into a cavity in a container (10), particularly a small cavity such as the inside of an electronic component housing. Measured quantities of the fluid are placed in dispensing vessels (28) in the centrifuge opposite the containers to be filled. The dispensing vessels have openings (36) through which the fluid can flow when centrifugal force is applied. On the application of this force, all the fluid flows out of the vessels into the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Electronic Techniques (Anglia) Limited
    Inventor: Kevin McGrane
  • Patent number: 5824348
    Abstract: A mold for manufacturing a steering shaft formed with inner and outer shafts which are telescopically contractible on impact is disclosed. The mold includes an outer shaft supporting mold portion and an inner shaft supporting mold portion that respectively receive the outer and inner shafts in a telescoped position. A first molten resin injection guide portion formed in the outer shaft supporting mold is located in alignment with a hole formed in the outer shaft and a circumferential groove formed in the inner shaft to enable injection of resin through the hole into the groove. A second molten resin injection guide portion communicates with a first opening formed between the outer and inner shafts to enable injection of resin material into this opening to fix the shafts in concentric alignment with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yamada Seisakusho
    Inventors: Isao Fujiu, Mitsuo Yabutsuka
  • Patent number: 5795525
    Abstract: A method for assembling a control panel makes the quality of thin surface forming bodies constant, the bodies resiliently supporting buttons of the control panel body. The control panel body (previously formed) is inserted into a pair of mold plates. The mold plates form cavities in conjunction with the control panel body. The cavities are independent of from one another and are symmetrical with respect to an axis normal to the surface of the control panel. Melted elastomer is injected flows into the cavities and expands in the cavities. Such melted material and the melted hard materials of the control panel are co-melted and, when cooled, make a solid solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Taisei Plas Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Naritomi
  • Patent number: 5629029
    Abstract: The plastic substrate portion of the part is formed by a first injection of plastic into a mold, so as to adhere to an overlying sheet of coverstock material. A portion of the coverstock is not initially adhered to the substrate. A second injection of plastic forms the undecorated portion of the part, and bonds to the substrate portion to form a unitary plastic panel. In the course of contacting the substrate portion, the plastic from the second injection folds and hides the non-adhered portion of the cover stock, thereby forming a neat, clean split line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair V. Souder, Crispin M. Belmont
  • Patent number: 5609890
    Abstract: For injection molding of tooth brushes from two different molding material components with tufts of bristles incorporated in the head portions of the brush bodies a molding machine is proposed which includes a tuft loading station, a first injecting station associated with the first material component and a second injecting station associated with the second material component. In one or each injecting station, the stationary molding block has a recess, and a movable mold insert part fits into this recess to complete the stationary mold block. The movable mold insert part is provided with tuft insertion holes and can be transferred to the tuft feeding station where tufts of bristles are loaded into the tuft insertion holes so that they have their inner ends projecting into the mold cavity portion defined by the movable mold insert part. Production of tooth brushes is a continuous sequence of tuft loading and injecting steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: G.B. Boucherie N.V.
    Inventor: Bart G. Boucherie
  • Patent number: 5512232
    Abstract: A device for moulding articles of composite material includes a pressurizable gasket and an injection head the end of which is flush with the impression of the mould. After low-pressure filling the mould impression with jets of resin and catalyst so oriented as to secure the mutual mixing thereof, the pressurizable gasket allows the half-moulds to be further approached to each other and obtaining thereby the impregnation of the reinforcer element previously charged into the mould impression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Centro Sviluppo Settori Impiego S.r.l.
    Inventors: Antonio Addeo, Roberto Bonari, Aurelio Biscotti
  • Patent number: 5407340
    Abstract: A machine for overmolding an equipment of an underwater cable includes a heated mold. The mold has a fixed half-mold with two side injection molding inlets and a mobile half-mold on a machine frame. These are coupled to a high-pressure injection molding press through an overmolding material distribution chamber and to the ends of the mold cavity. The machine finds an application in overmolding joint boxes and repeater housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignees: Alcatel Cable, Intron Engineering AG
    Inventors: Bruno Daguet, Martin Ganz, Jean-Francois Libert
  • Patent number: 5356576
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of plastic moldings with decorative coatings by injection molding, on an injection molding machine with an injection screw, which introduces the plastic into a cavity located in a mold clamping device, and an apparatus for the performance of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gunther Fischbach