With Safety Feature Patents (Class 425/151)
  • Patent number: 6999823
    Abstract: Even when a power switch is turned off, the controller of an injection molding machine does not shut off a power supply immediately. The controller determines whether the present state of the injection molding machine is a previously-set confirmation-requiring state, such as a lockup state of a mold clamping unit using a toggle link mechanism, or a nozzle touch state of an injection unit. When the present state is not the confirmation-requiring state, the controller shuts off the power supply. When the present state is the confirmation-requiring state, the controller displays on a display screen a confirmation window for confirmation of power shut off. The controller shuts off the power supply in accordance with a shut-off operation performed on the basis of the confirmation window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiharu Nishizawa, Osamu Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6981862
    Abstract: A slush molding machine having a tool with an outer surface includes a powder assembly. The powder assembly has a powder reservoir and a first lift. The first lift includes a first frame and a cylinder. The powder reservoir is mounted on the first frame. One end of the cylinder is attached to the frame, allowing the frame to be raised and lowered. The slush molding machine also includes a cooling assembly. The cooling assembly has a coolant reservoir and a second lift. The second lift has a second frame and a second cylinder. The coolant reservoir is attached to the second frame. The second cylinder is also attached to the frame. When the second cylinder is actuated, the second frame is raised and lowered as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Technical Center USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Janine R. Bond, Juhan Kim
  • Patent number: 6939124
    Abstract: The closing unit of a three-plate injection-molding machine comprises a die plate (1), a movable mold-clamping plate (2) and an end plate (3). Therein the die plate (1) and the end plate (3) are connected to one another via tie bars (4) on which the movable mold-clamping plate (2) is displaceably guided, and a toggle-lever arrangement (5), on which a drive unit (6) acts is provided between the end plate (3) and the movable mold-clamping plate (2). An encasing element (13) of variable length extends between the end plate (3) and the movable mold-clamping plate (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ferromatik Milacron Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Koch, Kai Grundmann
  • Patent number: 6925354
    Abstract: Process for the control of an injection-moulding machine and optionally at least one handling apparatus allocated to same in which, in a form guiding the operator, the operating parameters required for an injection cycle to run are entered via an input unit into a data processing unit storing these operating parameters and then one or more injection cycles are carried out according to the stored operating parameters, safety conditions for the protection of machine parts by means of which certain movement sequences of the injection-molding machine or the handling device are forbidden or allowed, being specified prior to the start of injection, there being provided on a screen an input mask on which one of several, preferably graphically displayed, basic movement modules is selected in each case and on which then, for every selected basic movement module, a safety condition in the form of logical, preferably Boolean operations is adjusted or adopted from the state of one or more different basic movement modules
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Engel Maschinenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Rupert Mörwald, Engelbert Kastner, Walter Eglseer
  • Patent number: 6821102
    Abstract: A drive control apparatus is used in an injection molding machine in order to drive and control a servomotor for moving a movable member. Among a plurality of functional sections which constitute a servo circuit connected to the servomotor, at least one functional section (e.g., a safety circuit section, etc.) selected as a functional section having a higher degree of importance is constituted by a hardware circuit section realized without use of software; and the remaining functional section or sections are constituted by a software circuit section realized by making use of software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Miyahara, Tsuyoshi Arai, Takashi Magario
  • Publication number: 20040213867
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting thermocouple circuits in an injection molding system includes a protection circuit for each thermocouple pair. The protection circuit includes a resettable fuse disposed in series with each thermocouple wire for preventing high leakage current from passing through, and a capacitor connected to the two wires of a thermocouple to filter out AC line noise. The protection circuits are integrated in a junction box used to connect a heater power cable and a thermocouple control cable to the hot-half of the molding machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Kalantzis
  • Patent number: 6769897
    Abstract: Device for monitoring force and pressure in injection molding machines, with at least one sensor for measuring the deformation of a machine part that is deformed by the closing or injection pressure, wherein a supporting body (2) is provided that relieves the machine part (3) monitored by the sensor (1) as soon as the closing or injection pressure exceeds a certain value that is less than half its maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Engel Maschinenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Stefan Eppich, Alfred Ellinger
  • Patent number: 6722869
    Abstract: In a cotton candy making apparatus with a removable tray, a main power supply switch and an auxiliary switch are provided. The main power supply switch is locked by being rotated in a predetermined direction while being depressed. Contacts of the auxiliary switch are closed when the tray is properly attached to a main body of the apparatus. Carbon or alloy brushes are used for brush devices for supplying electric current to a heater for a rotary pot, and the brushes are each biased in a slip ring direction with a spring in a brush holder. A cover for the rotary pot is provided which is constructed so as to be assembled to and disassembled from the rotary pot by rotating the same cover. A translucent tray and light emitting portions are provided on the main body of the apparatus for illuminating cotton candies within the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Staff Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Todokoro
  • Patent number: 6655947
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injection molding machine that is provided with a protective cover that can be displaced from a non-protective to a protective position by way of a handle and that is used to cover the injection molding nozzle during the injection process. The protective cover is axially configured in a substantially parallel position with respect to the axis of injection and can be displaced to a protective position. The protective cover comprises a lower part on which an upper part is mounted so as to be swiveled about a substantially parallel swivel axis with respect to the axis of injection. The lower part and the upper part can be displaced together to a non-protective and to a protective position, thereby combining a reliable support of the protective cover with accessibility of the nozzle and the plastification cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Karl Hehl
  • Patent number: 6644950
    Abstract: An injection moulding machine comprising a mould mounting plate movable by an electric motor (3) by means of a closing device (1). There is provided a guard grille (4) having a gate (5), the opening of which interrupts the power supply to the electric motor (3) by actuation of at least one safety switch (6, 7, 8). There is also provided a braking device (10). The braking device (10) is arranged between the electric motor (3) and the closing device (1) and is provided with a monitoring device (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Engel Maschinenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Stefan Eppich
  • Publication number: 20030107152
    Abstract: An apparatus for making crayons is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base that houses a heating component, a melt pan disposed to absorb heat from the heating component, a mold, and a cover. The melt pan receives crayon material and contains it as the heating component increases the temperature, causing the crayon material to liquefy. The liquefied crayon material can then be drained by the user of the device, into a mold with crayon-shaped cavities. A cover prevents access to the melt pan and the mold during particular operating conditions of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Binney & Smith Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Cziraky
  • Publication number: 20030075818
    Abstract: Process for the control of an injection-moulding machine and optionally at least one handling apparatus allocated to same in which, in a form guiding the operator, the operating parameters required for an injection cycle to run are entered via an input unit into a data processing unit storing these operating parameters and then one or more injection cycles are carried out according to the stored operating parameters, safety conditions for the protection of machine parts by means of which certain movement sequences of the injection-moulding machine or the handling device are forbidden or allowed, being specified prior to the start of injection, there being provided on a screen an input mask on which one of several, preferably graphically displayed, basic movement modules is selected in each case and on which then, for every selected basic movement module, a safety condition in the form of logical, preferably Boolean operations is adjusted or adopted from the state of one or more different basic movement module
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Rupert Morwald, Engelbert Kastner, Walter Eglseer
  • Publication number: 20030072832
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging mold with electrostatic discharge protection comprising a pot block and at least one receiver. The pot block comprises a plurality of pots and runners. Each of the pots branches and connects the runners for injecting molding compound into the runners through the pots. The receiver for supporting a plurality of substrate plates connects the runners for receiving the molding compound from the runners to package the dice on the substrate plates. Each receiver comprises a receiving surface contacting the substrate plate; wherein the receiving surface is roughened to reduce static electric charges generated when separating the substrate plates and the packaging mold. Additionally, the surfaces of the runners are roughened to reduce static electric charges generated in the runners when separating the molding compound and the runners. It prevents the dice packaged from damage due to static electric charges to raise the yield rate of semiconductor package products thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Meng-Tsang Lee, Kuang-Lin Lo
  • Patent number: 6520761
    Abstract: A protection apparatus for an injection molding machine includes an overrun detection mechanism and a control section. The overrun detection mechanism includes an element to be detected which is attached to one of a movable member of a movable mechanism and a stationary member facing the movable member, and a detection unit attached to the other of the movable member and the stationary member. The detection unit detects the element when the movable member has moved to an overrun position. The control section forcedly stops operation of a drive unit which moves the movable member, when the detection unit detects the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Arai, Syuichi Hokino
  • Publication number: 20020192324
    Abstract: An injection moulding machine with a vertically movable mould-clamping plate, an electrical drive motor for the movable mould-clamping plate. A control unit for the drive motor, a machine control unit and a safety device to prevent unintentional movement of the movable mould-clamping plate are also provided. The machine control unit activates the retaining device when a movement of the movable mould-clamping plate is indicated without a corresponding drive signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Helmut Naderhirn, Herbert Gruber
  • Publication number: 20020192323
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus has a non-metallic injection mold and a pressure relief valve for handling excess resin pressure in the cavity mold. The pressure relief valve responds to excess resin pressure in the hollow by providing an alternate resin passage for the pressurized excess resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: CARL E. RADZIO, RICHARD C. BENSON, ROBYN S. CHADDOCK
  • Publication number: 20020064574
    Abstract: An injection moulding machine comprising a mould mounting plate movable by an electric motor (3) by means of a closing device (1). There is provided a guard grille (4) having a gate (5), the opening of which interrupts the power supply to the electric motor (3) by actuation of at least one safety switch (6, 7, 8). There is also provided a braking device (10). The braking device (10) is arranged between the electric motor (3) and the closing device (1) and is provided with a monitoring device (29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Stefan Eppich
  • Publication number: 20020028261
    Abstract: A method for molding composite items, constituted by beads of sintered expanded resin and by inserts, comprising the steps of: using a movable half-mold and first and second half-molds which can perform a translational motion at right angles to the direction of motion of the movable half-mold; performing the molding operation by means of one of the translatable half-molds mated with the movable half-mold, translating the translatable half-mold from a position for accessing the half-mold to a molding position, simultaneously accessing the other one of the translatable half-molds when the other one of the translatable half-molds is located at the region for access to the translatable half-mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: ALESSIO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Gianni Franco Alessio
  • Publication number: 20020009512
    Abstract: A variable speed powder compacting press includes a generally horizontal table with a powder compacting die cavity defined in the table. A movable compacting punch is disposed in the die cavity and can move upwardly towards the die cavity opening to compact powder disposed in the cavity. A sliding anvil is disposed on the horizontal table and has a powder dispensing portion, a compacting portion, and a pick up portion. The anvil is movable between a filling position wherein the dispensing portion is above the cavity, a compacting position wherein the compacting portion is above the cavity, and a pick up position wherein the pick up position is above the cavity. A rotary drive operates to move the compacting punch and the sliding anvil in a coordinated manner. A safety cover can cover a portion of the table and the sliding anvil during operation of the machine. An interlock determines if the safety cover is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Paul G. Faiman, Bruce A. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6315544
    Abstract: A length adjustable extension bar for connecting a mold ejector plate to a press ejector plate comprises a rotatable member threadingly secured on one end of a threaded stud. An opposite end of the threaded stud is connected to the press ejector plate and a distal end or head of the rotatable member is connected to the mold ejector plate. Rotation of the rotatable member relative to the threaded stud increases or decreases the overall length of the extension bar. A locking assembly comprising a locking sleeve biased by a spring into engagement with a locking nut is mounted on the extension bar to prevent adjustments in the length of the extension bar without first advancing the locking sleeve out of engagement with the locking nut. The locking sleeve is slidably mounted on the rotatable member shaft but is prevented from rotating relative to the shaft by a pin extending through the rotatable member shaft and aligned slots formed on opposite sides of the locking sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Burger Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Burger, Mark A. Brown
  • Patent number: 6312246
    Abstract: Apparatus to produce pasta used in particular, but not exclusively, in the domestic field, comprising a box-like structure (11), a mixing assembly (12) and an extrusion assembly (13), the mixing assembly (12) comprising a receptacle (16) inside which a mixing organ (18) is commanded to rotate and the extrusion assembly comprising at least a feeding screw (32) and an interchangeable extruder (31), the mixing assembly (12) and the extrusion assembly (13) being assembled in a removable manner on the box-like structure (11), the mixing assembly (12) being equipped with an outlet aperture (26) suitable to couple in an air-tight manner with an inlet aperture (28) of the extrusion assembly (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Simac-Vetrella SpA
    Inventor: Silvano Pozzobon
  • Publication number: 20010022983
    Abstract: A protection apparatus for an injection molding machine includes an overrun detection mechanism and a control section. The overrun detection mechanism includes an element to be detected which is attached to one of a movable member of a movable mechanism and a stationary member facing the movable member, and a detection unit attached to the other of the movable member and the stationary member. The detection unit detects the element when the movable member has moved to an overrun position. The control section forcedly stops operation of a drive unit which moves the movable member, when the detection unit detects the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Shuichi Arai, Syuichi Hokino
  • Patent number: 6287104
    Abstract: A mechanical safety cover interlock for an injection-molding unit has a protective device that covers the mold clamping area. As soon as the protective device is moved from its protecting position, a sensor for an auxiliary circuit emits an electrical signal. As a result of the electrical signal, a control element uses the force of elastic means to steer blocking mechanisms into a blocking position with a blocking section of a locking rod, which hinders the movement of the movable mold carrier when in the blocking position. The position of the control element is monitored with the aid of a position monitoring arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Karl Hehl
  • Patent number: 6164947
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for a vertical injection molding machine. The safety apparatus includes an abnormality detection section for detecting an abnormal condition of a transmission belt, and a stopper mechanism including an engagement rod having a plurality of engagement portions along a moving direction of a movable mold and an engagement member adapted to engage the engagement portion when moved to an engagement position. The engagement rod is provided on one of a side where the movable mold is attached and a side where a stationary mold is attached. The stopper mechanism further comprises a drive control section adapted to move the engagement member to the engagement position for engagement with the engagement portion, when an abnormal condition of the transmission belt is detected by the abnormality detection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Miyahara
  • Patent number: 6106265
    Abstract: A molding apparatus comprises a first mold plate positioned between a pair of second mold plates for opening and closing pairs of mold halves. The mold plates carry leader pins which are connected with each other in both the open and the closed position of the molding apparatus, for lateral support of the central first mold plate. Also or alternatively, a mold plate centering system is provided, comprising threaded rods carried by the first, central mold plate and pointing toward the second plates. Internally threaded sleeves are carried by the second plates, with at least a portion of each threaded rod occupying at least a portion of the bore of the internally threaded sleeve and screw threaded relation. Specifically, the threaded rods are joined together and freely rotatable, with the result that the position of the first, central plate is controlled as the respective plates are opened and closed by a moving platen of an injection mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: John W. Von Holdt
  • Patent number: 6062843
    Abstract: A motor control apparatus for an injection molding machine has a control function section for stopping a drive motor; i.e., a servomotor in order to stop a movable member, upon reception of an open signal indicating that a safety door is opened. The motor control apparatus further includes an additional control function section for performing position control for the servomotor, upon reception of the open signal, so as to stop the movable member at a predetermined position. Therefore, when the safety door is opened and thus the open signal is supplied to the additional control function section, the additional control function section performs position control for the servomotor such that the movable member stops at the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yamaura
  • Patent number: 5935619
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion head (3) for manufacturing a product ade of a rubber compound, provided with an inlet passage (41) for said rubber compound to pass into an accumulation chamber emerging in an extrusion orifice (6) through which said rubber compound is forced and which includes a wall (8) acting cooperatively with a rotating roller (7) in order to define the profile of the product, the extrusion head (3) comprising a coating device (15) which puts a material based on a rubber compound into the accumulation chamber (4) directly between the inlet passage (41) and the extrusion orifice (6) and distributes it on the surface of the roller (7) in order to superpose, from above, the product issuing from the inlet passage (41). The "coating" material may consist of the strands of flash coming from deflashing the edges of the extruded product, the coating device therefore constituting a flash recycling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin - Michelin & Cie
    Inventor: Gerard Crosnier
  • Patent number: 5834036
    Abstract: A safety device for use in a clamping unit of a molding machine is provided with an improved mechanism to always secure safety when the thickness of a mold is adjusted. The device comprises a safety rod having a predetermined number of engagement stepped portions and tapered surfaces formed alternately at a front end portion at predetermined intervals, a support block for supporting the safety rod, a lever member, a stopper engaged with the engagement stepped portion of the safety rod from sideways, and an operation member having a link bar arranged horizontally in such a manner that the link bar can swing freely and always located below the end portion of the lever member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co,, Ltd
    Inventor: Haruo Ueno
  • Patent number: 5820892
    Abstract: A food extrusion assembly and particularly an ice cream extrusion assembly for providing a stream of elongated strands of ice cream or other foods of a predetermined cross-sectional configuration. The extrusion assembly includes a housing structure having a base portion and an upright support structure. A plunger assembly is mounted to the housing and has an activatable shaft and separable plunger head. A container mounting structure is provided to receive an extrusion container in alignment with the movement of the plunger head. The extrusion container has a predetermined pattern of extrusion apertures through its bottom surface. The extrusion container locks into the container mounting structure to permit the activation of a switch and to thereby cause the plunger head to penetrate the extrusion container for ice cream extrusion processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: James D. Lauer, Margaret T. Lauer
  • Patent number: 5783222
    Abstract: A dough molder including a stainless steel case, a sheeter, a former, a compressor, and a removable cleaning tray. The sheeter includes a fixed roller, adjustable roller, and a scraper for each roller, where the gap between the rollers is adjustable. The dough from the sheeter is directed to a conveyor belt that moves the dough to the former, a reticulated surface, such as a chain link screen, flexible in the direction of belt movement, that forms the dough into a roll. The belt directs the rolled dough from the former to the compressor that compresses the rolled dough into a cylindrical shape. The cleaning tray is located between the upper and lower legs of the belt, accumulating bits of flour and dough. The tray is removable for emptying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Somerset Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Voyatzakis, George Athanasiadis
  • Patent number: 5731012
    Abstract: A device to mix and extrude various ingredients including pastas, pastries, baked goods, hors d'oeuvres, and cookies. The device includes novel measuring, mixing and extrusion arrangements including: an automatic measuring cup; a way to continuously mix and extrude ingredients without intervening cleanings; a mixing and extrusion feed for handling different consistencies of ingredients; an integrated automatic cutter; motor cooling and extruded ingredient drying; as well as various safety devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Ronco R&D Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Backus, Ronald M. Popeil
  • Patent number: 5670186
    Abstract: An injection molding machine provided with an easy-to-operate and space-saving display unit, a clamping unit and an injection unit arranged laterally. The display unit is installed on an injection-side gate enclosing the injection unit. The display unit is movable as the injection-side gate is opened or closed, to simultaneously observe both the mold clamping-side gate and the display unit. Alternatively, the display unit is installed on an injection-side gate enclosing the clamping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Nishimura, Hideki Koyama, Hiroko Yoshida, Susumu Ito
  • Patent number: 5595770
    Abstract: The invention relates to a granulation apparatus for strand material having pull-in apparatus for gripping the strand material and transporting it to a counter knife, a knife roll cooperating with the counter knife for cutting the strand material into granulate, and a housing accomodating the pull-in apparatus, the counter knife and the knife roll, wherein a motor driving the knife roll and the pull-in apparatus is arranged beside the housing and is connected by means of a drive axle to the rotating components contained in the housing, and wherein the motor and the housing are mounted on a common support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Rieter Automatik GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Pirrung, Berthold Glabb, Laurenz Hohm, Helmuth Meidhof, Gunther Wolf
  • Patent number: 5560940
    Abstract: A device for melting matter by immersion in a heated vat which includes a basket articulated with respect to a base containing the vat. The basket is resiliently urged upwardly from the vat as a lid covering the basket is raised and members are provided for retaining the basket in its raised position, wherein the basket obstructs access to the vat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: SMOBY
    Inventor: Dany Breuil
  • Patent number: 5553659
    Abstract: A metal die casting machine having a safety bar mechanism for cushioning the stopping action of a movable platen when it is stopped prior to reaching the closed position of the dies. One embodiment provides a two-part bar connected together by a cushioning means. A second embodiment mounts a cushioning means on one of the platens, preferably the movable platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Prince Machine Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Hegel, Melvin C. Hawke, William P. Damian, Jon R. Mullen
  • Patent number: 5478226
    Abstract: An automatic plunger apparatus is disclosed for compressing molten plastic into a cavity for forming an encapsulated semiconductor device. A compressing device drives a plunger member in order to compress and direct molten plastic to flow in a forward direction into the cavity. An overload compensator is coupled to the plunger member for permitting the plunger member to withdraw in a reverse direction when the plunger member is prevented from compressing and directing the molten plastic to flow in the forward direction into the cavity. The overload compensator includes a first member retained within a second member for transferring the force from the compressing device into motion of the plunger member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Richard H. J. Fierkens
  • Patent number: 5460505
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus which enables easier monitoring of the nozzle touch condition from the outside of a clamping unit (70). A stationary platen (10) of the clamping unit (70) is furnished with monitoring holes (16a, 16b). The monitoring holes (16a, 16b) extend from at least either of the front and rear sides of the clamping unit (70) toward a locating hole (12) into which a sprue bush (51) of dies is located. The monitoring holes (16a, 16b) may be interlocked with shutters (22a, 22b) which are opened or closed in response to open or close motion of the purge shield (20). Furthermore, it is possible to provide windows (34a, 34b) in a purge shield (30) so as to allow an operator to look into the monitoring holes (16a, 16b) therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Fanuc Limited
    Inventors: Susumu Ito, Koichi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 5445773
    Abstract: A method for detecting an abnormality of a hydraulic system in a molding machine which comprises a hydraulic cylinder for reciprocating a movable member of the molding machine, a valve for controlling a hydraulic fluid which is supplied into the hydraulic cylinder, and a pair of pressure sensors attached to the hydraulic cylinder, for detecting the pressures in a pair of pressure chambers of the hydraulic cylinder, is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: holding the valve at a neutral position, and comparing the pressures in the pair of pressure chambers with a preset range of pressure on the basis of detecting signals from the pair of pressure sensors, when the movable member is inoperative; and outputting an abnormality signal when at least one of the pressures in the pair of pressure chambers is out of the preset range of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Arai
  • Patent number: 5439366
    Abstract: A safety device for the roll space within a calender or other roll machine is disclosed. The rolls when rotating, excite oscillations in the beam at the resonant frequency of the beam. This can occur during start-up or during normal operation. The safety device of the present invention comprises a beam and additional mass that is oscillatorily suspended from the beam in order to reduce the amplitude of the beam oscillations at the beam resonant frequency. In addition, a damping element between additional mass and the beam is used to reduce any undesired oscillations due to newly created resonant frequencies introduced into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Kleinewefers GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Rolf Conrad, Jochen Autrata, Albert Hille
  • Patent number: 5350288
    Abstract: An injection molding unit has an injection molding machine 1 for injecting a molten resin plasticized in a screw cylinder 4 from a nozzle 9 fitted at the tip of the screw cylinder 4 by advancing a screw 3. An injection mold 31 forms a hollow 36 for forming an injection molded product 35 with a cavity mold 33 and a core mold 34. The injection molding unit further has a pressure relief valve 40 for releasing the resin out of a resin passage when a pressure greater than a predetermined value acts at any point on the resin passage, including the screw cylinder and ranging up to the terminal end of the hollow. The cavity mold 33 is of a split construction, in which a wall portion of the hollow is formed a plurality of segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignees: Daiho Industrial Co., Ltd., Dainichi Mold Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kimoto, Isao Shihota
  • Patent number: 5328347
    Abstract: Device for injecting a plastic material into a mould cavity. In the device, the plastic is moved into the mould cavity by a plunger. The first part of the press stroke is used to transport the material and has to be carried out at relatively low pressure and over a relatively long transport path. The second part of the press stroke is used to fill the mould completely and takes place at relatively high pressure and virtually no stroke. According to the invention, the two movements are effected by different mechanisms which are specifically adapted to carry out these movements. In this arrangement, it becomes possible also to provide a safety coupling to prevent the device being overloaded while working at relatively low pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: AMCO Hi-Tech B.V.
    Inventor: Gerardus J. M. Ten Vaarwerk
  • Patent number: 5310327
    Abstract: A workpiece deflector shield includes a flexible web arranged for extension and retraction relative to separable mold halves that are arranged in operative relationship relative to one another from a first engaged positioned to a second spaced relationship, wherein in the spaced relationship, the flexible shield structure provides for deflection of a workpiece ejected from the separated mold members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Reginald Phillips
  • Patent number: 5308233
    Abstract: A continuous-feed thermal treatment unit for the manufacture of PET containers includes, in succession, a recovery oven (25) and a crystallization oven (42) having respective heater plates (27, 44) for emitting medium-wavelength infrared radiation to heat the bodies of incoming, rotating, bidirectionally stretched, oversize containers to a temperature of 160.degree.-2400.degree.-C. The crystallization oven also includes short-wavelength infrared tubes (47) disposed along the path of the container necks, whose radiation penetrates the necks and heats support mandrels (18) inserted therein to transport the containers. The heated bodies shrink and become at least partially crystallized during their conveyance through the ovens, while the necks undergo spherulitic crystallization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Sidel
    Inventors: Gerard Denis, Alain Evrard
  • Patent number: 5286186
    Abstract: An apparatus for injecting molding material into a self-clamping mole. The apparatus includes a support frame with spaced plates and support bars interconnecting the plates, and a C-shaped opening formed in the plates. An injector is included for injecting molding material into the self-clamping mold under pressure, and an extruder for providing molding material to the injector. Temperature controllers are also provided for controlling the temperature of the molding material within the injector and extruder. A lift mechanism supported on the frame provides clamped engagement between the self-clamping mold and the frame. During the injection operation wherein the injector is engaged with the mold, the lift mechanism clamps the mold to resist internal mold forces resulting from the injection of molding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Brown, David E. Baxter
  • Patent number: 5277568
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for a clamping device which includes a machine base, a first fixed board fixed on the base, a movable board movably disposed on the base, either a second fixed board or a bearing member fixed to the base behind the movable board, and a safety door slidably disposed on the base between an open and a closed position. The safety apparatus includes an engagement device disposed on the movable board, the engagement device having a stopper member which is vertically movable between an engaged and a disengaged position when the safety door is opened or closed, a safety rod disposed between the first fixed board and either the bearing member or the second fixed board, the safety rod having a plurality of engagement portions spaced therealong, and a drive device disposed on either the bearing member or the second fixed board for axially moving the safety rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Nissei Jushi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Hisakazu Hirata, Kazuyuki Okubo, Motomi Kitamura
  • Patent number: 5269673
    Abstract: An injection molding machine is illustrated with tie bars extending from a stationary die plate. A movable die plate is slidably movable along the tie bars. Corrugated elastic sleeves cover the tie bars and are seated at opposite ends on the die plates to keep molded parts from contacting the tie bars when the mold is open and thereby protect the molded parts from contamination by lubricant on the tie bars. In the embodiment shown, the corrugated sleeve is made of plastic material and is split longitudinally to facilitate assembly. The split sleeve construction enables the sleeves to be assembled sidewise onto the tie bars, and held snugly onto the bars by wires or cable ties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventors: Joseph Kempf, John Diamond
  • Patent number: 5102602
    Abstract: An improved adjustable diehead assembly for mounting on a plastic extrusion machine is described. A discharge orifice for a parison of plastic is formed by a mandrel and annular member. The annular member is moveable by a holder assembly perpendicular to axis of the mandrel to adjust the orifice. The holder assembly includes cams which act upon the opposed sections of the outside surface of the annular member to adjust the orifice when first and second screws are tightened. A third screw acts upon the annular member to adjust the orifice. The screws are mounted on a front part of the holder assembly on the diehead to allow adjustment of the orifice even when the extrusion machine is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Plastics USA Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 5057171
    Abstract: A pressure chamber apparatus comprises a pressure chamber having an opening at one end and a plug member with a self locking sealing design telescopically mounted in the chamber for sliding movement between a retracted position in which it is inside the chamber and an extended position in which it projects at least partially out of the chamber opening. The plug member has a transverse through slot for containing one or more workpieces to be pressurized, and substantially fills the pressure chamber in the retracted position. The slot in the plug member and the pressure chamber surrounding the plug member are filled with liquid, and connected to a pressure booster for pressurizing the liquid to a selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Pacific Trinetics Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Horner, Gordon O. Zablotny
  • Patent number: 5017121
    Abstract: An injection molding machine has a pedestal having front and rear vertical walls extending in a longitudinal direction and defining interior chambers, a mold carried by the pedestal, a clamping unit mounted on the pedestal and horizontally operable to open and close the mold, an injecting unit including a plasticizing cylinder and being mounted on the pedestal, two horizontal carrying bars, one being a front bar and the other being a rear bar, interconnected by crosspieces and supported by the pedestal, and a front protective covering carried by the pedestal and including a stationary protective carrier and two vertical protective doors. There are further provided stationary tracks mounted on the front bar and being adapted to guide the protective doors in the longitudinal direction of the injection molding machine. Further, track rails are mounted on each of the carrying bars and extending at least in part above the clamping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Karl Hehl
  • Patent number: 5007817
    Abstract: A press that includes a pair of die sections and a ram for propelling one of the die sections against the other to form a workpiece positioned therebetween. A die cushion is coupled to one of the die sections for cushioning force of engagement of the die sections, and includes at least one gas cylinder and a manifold for feeding gas under pressure to the cylinder. A pressure monitor includes a pressure sensor coupled to the manifold for supplying an electrical pressure signal as a function of gas pressure in the manifold. The pressure signal as compared to a predetermined threshold for supplying an alarm signal when gas pressure in the manifold is less than such threshold, and ram operation is stopped when the manifold gas pressure is less than the preset threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Bernard J. Wallis