Means Permitting Visual Inspection By Operator Patents (Class 425/173)
  • Patent number: 11883251
    Abstract: A fixture plate includes a base having a contact face configured to support a dental model having a material formed thereon. The material includes an aligner material portion and an excess material portion. The fixture plate includes one or more channels formed in the contact face. The fixture plate includes a bore extending through the base from a bottom opening to the contact face. A portion of the bore located along the bottom opening is configured to couple with a hose of a vacuum system configured to generate a suction force at the contact face via the one or more channels. The suction force is applied to the dental model and at least part of the excess material portion to retain the dental model and the material formed thereon against the contact face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SDC U.S. SmilePay SPV
    Inventors: Josh Long, Christopher Yancey, Roland Harris, Chris Sorrells
  • Patent number: 11865765
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing a 3D forming film performs molding at a uniform pressure by using a variable volume body, and thus, enables undercut portion molding, prevents thermal corrugation on the curved portion, etc., of the forming film and the distortion of the forming film, reduces a thickness deviation of the forming film and excludes an additional cutting process after molding the forming film, thereby improving the quality of the 3D-molded forming film. The device for manufacturing the 3D forming film includes: a mold for molding a forming film; a press head unit which is positioned to correspond to the mold and has a variable spaced distance from the mold; and a variable volume body which is coupled to the press head unit and has elasticity so that a volume thereof is variable due to gas introduction and discharge by the press head unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: REALOOK & COMPANY CORP.
    Inventor: Namil Lim
  • Patent number: 11613090
    Abstract: A casting method involves providing a precursor to a mold that includes a deformable surface overlying a chamber, shaping the deformable surface according to a surface profile by adjusting a fluid pressure within the chamber and driving one or more actuators that are configured to distort the deformable surface, and solidifying the precursor while the deformable surface is shaped according to the surface profile to form an optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Katherine Marie Smyth, John Cooke, Robin Sharma, Andrew John Ouderkirk
  • Patent number: 11607668
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet filter material, in particular having an aerosol filter function and/or a particle filter function, preferably having a protective function against chemical, biological and/or chemical harmful and toxic substances, and to a method for the production thereof. The sheet filter material is particularly suitable for producing protective equipment, protective objects, sports and leisure clothing and filters and filter materials of all types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventors: Bertram Böhringer, Rainer Fischer, Congminh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11549197
    Abstract: A composite implant device for use in a medical application, comprising a synthetically-derived mesh that mimics particular critical aspects of a biologically-derived mesh. The composite implant device can be used for the reinforcement and reconstruction of tissues within the body and can be comprised of a majority of synthetic components and minority of naturally-derived components which mimic the structure and function of a naturally-derived mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Poly-Med, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth Dylan McCullen, Clayton Joseph Culbreath, Michael Aaron Vaughn, Michael Scott Taylor
  • Patent number: 11479497
    Abstract: A mold release lubricant application equipment 4 comprises application portions 30A,30B for applying a mold release lubricant to glass bottle forming molds 10, 18, and an application control portion 31 for operating the application portions 30A,30B. Molds 10,18 are arranged independently along a predetermined arrangement direction A1. A plurality of sections 5 comprising molds 10, 18 are formed along the arrangement direction A1. The application portions 30A, 30B comprise lubricant application parts 38A, 38B for applying the mold release lubricant, a transport mechanisms 33A, 33B for moving the lubricant application parts 38A,38B among the plurality of the sections along the arrangement direction A1, and sensors 42A, 42B. The application control portion 31 detects abnormalities with the sensors 42A, 42B on a plurality of sections 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Nihon Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryusuke Kawahara, Shota Ishiguro, Takahiro Nishimura, Ryu Wada, Kunikazu Oonishi, Hiroshi Ikeda, Hiroshi Nakajima, Masahiro Seto
  • Patent number: 11465356
    Abstract: A method for predicting a strength of a structure modeled by an additive manufacturing method includes acquiring a material layering method including at least one of a scanning direction, a scanning pitch, a layering direction, and a layering pitch of a material, and estimating the strength of the structure by factoring in strength anisotropy attributable to the material layering method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: TORAY ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keiko Suda, Takamitsu Yamada
  • Patent number: 11046004
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of residual thermoplastic powder from an additive manufacturing process includes a feed apparatus for feeding powder, which includes the residual thermoplastic powder, to a pressing area, and two rotatable roller elements which are drivable in opposite directions. Lateral surfaces of the two rotatable roller elements are adjacent to one another in a pressing area and each laterally have a plurality of molding elements that are assigned to one another in pairs in order to compress powder into granules in the pressing area. Also, a cam mechanism is included and configured to deflect the molding elements of one of the two rotatable roller elements radially depending on the angle of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bruno Alves
  • Patent number: 9234802
    Abstract: An energy output measuring device including a main body having a light reflecting exterior and a window portion formed in the main body and produced from infrared-reflecting glass. At least one visible light sensor is disposed adjacent the window. The energy output measuring device is configured to pass through a heating device. An energy output of the heating device is determined from measurements taken by the heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Plastic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Alan McGurk, Aaron Raphael Teitlebaum
  • Patent number: 9108835
    Abstract: Only a bottle properly preliminarily heated is sterilized by hydrogen peroxide. Temperature inspection to the bottle is performed while travelling the bottle. During the inspection, a bottle of which temperature does not reach a predetermined temperature is removed and a bottle of which temperature reaches the predetermined temperature is continuously travelled, hydrogen peroxide condensed mist ? is blown toward a mouth portion 1a of the bottle by a spray tube 59 disposed at a predetermined position, and hot air is blown into the bottle from the nozzle while the nozzle 64 following the mouth portion of the bottle. According to such operation, only the bottle properly heated can be sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide, Thereafter, beverage fills the bottle, which is then sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hayakawa, Takaharu Hirooka, Takaki Maekawa, Hitoshi Takaku
  • Patent number: 8905742
    Abstract: A three-dimensional printer to fabricate three dimensional objects using a rotary build surface platen. This architecture achieves high space efficiency, and rigidity for precision. The apparatus size can be very small relative to the objects it can build. The 3D printer can also actively shape the side profile of a layer for greater fidelity with the ideal input geometry. The profile can be shaped through subtraction of material, or by constraining the material while it is deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Synerdyne Corporation
    Inventor: Mark S. Knighton
  • Publication number: 20140319714
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of examining defects in a green honeycomb molding having partition walls which form a plurality of flow channels extending in parallel with one another, and sealing portions which close the upper ends of some of the plurality of flow channels and the lower ends of the rest flow channels. The method includes a step of applying pressure to the lower ends of the plurality of flow channels using gas, and a step of visualizing the distribution of gas refractive indexes near the upper ends of the plurality of flow channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Atsuhiko SHINOZUKA, Yukihito TOKUOKA, Kazuya TSUCHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140048972
    Abstract: Mineral samples for use in analytical instruments are created by a system that greatly reduces the sample preparation time and facilitates automation. For example, in some implementations, rather than grinding to expose the interior of mineral particles in sample plug containing mineral particles in an epoxy compound, the sample plug is sliced with a saw, which more rapidly provides in many applications a sufficiently smooth surface on the exposed particle surfaces for observation. Rather than slowly mixing a slow curing epoxy to avoid introducing bubbles into the sample plug, some implementations use a fast settle fixative and a mechanical mixture that avoid bubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: FEI COMPANY
    Inventor: Paul Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 8602763
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating of preforms formed of plastic with infrared radiation, whereby the preform is struck by cooling air at its neck finish and on its body. Furthermore, the infrared radiators are struck by cooling air at their ends. The invention relates to a heating device in which the three cooling air streams may be controlled or regulated independently from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Christian Stoiber, Wolfgang Schönberger
  • Patent number: 8597010
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods which may be used to determine when an uncured composite part is ready to be cured. In one embodiment, a system under the invention may comprise an infrared camera adapted to take infrared images of an uncured composite part, a heating device adapted to heat an uncured composite part, an image capture device adapted to capture infrared images taken by the infrared camera, and a computer adapted to analyze infrared images taken by the infrared camera in order to evaluate temperatures of an uncured composite part. The infrared images may be used to determine that the composite part is substantially covered, and/or completely covered, with resin and ready to be cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lawrence E Pado, Craig L Brown, Michael L Vandernoot
  • Publication number: 20130059024
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a modular food ingredient roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Brice B. Leconte
  • Patent number: 8329074
    Abstract: A device for repairing a chimney preferably includes a rod effective for positioning and manipulating a camera and a plunger blade in a chimney; a camera attached to the lower portion of the rod in a manner such that rotation of the rod results in a corresponding rotation of the camera; and a plunger blade attached to the rod above the camera. The plunger blade is adapted to apply mortar to the sides of a chimney when the device is pulled upward in the chimney. The device may further include a camera-direction indicator attached to the rod above the plunger blade in a manner such that the camera-direction indicator is effective for indicating the direction of view of said camera even when the camera is not visible to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Merediths' Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Meredith, Thomas J. Urban
  • Patent number: 8079842
    Abstract: A plaster removing device includes a main device frame having first and second ends, a device trough carried by the main device frame and a plumb device carried by the main device frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Teo Tomasic
  • Patent number: 8066502
    Abstract: An exemplary molding material feeding barrel includes a main body, a blocking member, and an electrically conductive member. The main body has a chamber defined therein. The main body has a first inner surface in the chamber. The blocking member protrudes inward from the first inner surface of the main body. The electrically conductive member has a first end exposed at an inside of the main body, and a second end grounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 8038430
    Abstract: A method of coating metal wire with extrudate using an extrusion system. The method includes the steps of advancing the metal wire through an extrusion die of the extrusion system and extruding molten extrudate over the metal wire as the metal wire is advanced through the extrusion die. Image data is generated, using one or several electronic cameras, concurrently with the advancing, and extruding to provide visual feedback indicative of the concentricity or non-concentricity of extrudate surrounding the metal wire as the metal wire exits the extrusion die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Swanson, Lucien M. Rucker
  • Publication number: 20110230946
    Abstract: A catheter balloon is formed from a mold process in which raised dimples or shallow divots are formed on the outer surface using indentations or raised beads on the mold surface. The dimples or divots are located at the transition between the body portion of the catheter balloon and the neck or taper section. The presence of the dimples or divots serves the dual purpose of identifying the transition between the two regions for placing a visual marker on the balloon to be used in positioning the balloon, and also to assist in the retention of a vascular stent on the balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventors: DARA J. BUTCHER, CARLOS A. ARIPEZ
  • Publication number: 20110126949
    Abstract: A tire tread for a vehicle tire is disclosed wherein the tread has at least one tread element projecting from the base of the tread and having a defined tread depth, with at least one tread element having a first hole and having a first outer cross-sectional shape that is constant for a first depth. A molding device for forming a tread wear indicator in a tread is also disclosed. The molding device includes a mold blade, the mold blade having a solid first portion having a defined depth, wherein the solid first portion has a cross-sectional shape that is constant for the defined depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: André Cuny, Frank Pierre Severens
  • Publication number: 20110111104
    Abstract: A hollowing apparatus for preparation of meat patties for cooking includes a mold assembly and a press assembly. The mold assembly has at least one wall, an open top, and a closed bottom. The press assembly is shaped to correspond matingly with the mold assembly such that the press assembly is configured to be at least partially placed within the mold assembly. The press assembly is pressable against a quantity of meat within the mold assembly so as to shape the quantity of meat into a meat patty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Verne Edward Thompson, Wei Chieh Tu
  • Patent number: 7815430
    Abstract: A mold for imprinting a pattern onto a resin material applied onto a substrate is constituted by a mold substrate formed of a material transparent to light in at least a part of a wavelength range of light used for alignment, an alignment structure area having an alignment structure comprising a recess portion, a pattern forming area having a pattern, and a coating layer is formed of a material having an optical characteristic different from that of the mold substrate. The coating layer is on a side wall of the recess portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsunori Terasaki, Junichi Seki
  • Patent number: 7806676
    Abstract: A system for automating the casting of concrete panels in which a bed position indicator is fed to a program which compares the bed position to CAD drawings concerning the concrete to be cast and sends the drawing detail for the position of the bed which is then shown on the bed by a laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Fabcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Hensley, Thomas Kuckhahn, Richard Wesen, Greg Morford, Michael LeJeune, Patrick M. Heman, Mark Yzermans
  • Patent number: 7648353
    Abstract: A visual monitoring device for rotary presses, in which a rotor, with upper and lower punches and a die plate, at least one compression station, at least one filling station, and at least one ejector station are arranged in a housing, at which individual process steps occur, characterized in that arranged in the housing is at least one high speed camera, whose lens is directed onto a location in the housing, and to which an image analysis device is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Fette GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Meier, Ingo Schmidt, Peter Lueneburg
  • Patent number: 7556486
    Abstract: A repair apparatus comprising a pressurized air inlet, an air regulator, a positioning ram, a repair material container, at least one window, a flexible seal, a shut off valve, a pop off relief valve, a ram seating attachment, a light, a supply nozzle, a pop off valve attachment fitting, an air regulator attachment fitting, a repair flow control, a supply nozzle attachment fitting, a seal, a compression nut, an optional pressure plate, an air hose, a repair material reservoir, a pressure plate nozzle clearance, material supply containers, pumps, feeder lines, a mixing tee, and check valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald James Zito
  • Patent number: 7524443
    Abstract: A system (100) for controlling the operation of a mechanical press (10) having a side link (60) for applying squeeze to a mold (80) includes a dial indicator (120) mounted to the side link. An actuator member (170) has a first end (172) connected to the side link (60) and an opposite second end (200) engaging the dial indicator (120). The actuator member (170) is configured to move relative to the side link (60) and actuate the dial indicator (200) in response to elongation of the side link. The dial indicator (200) indicates the magnitude of the squeeze applied by the side link (60). A strain transducer (150) is mounted to the side link (60). The strain transducer (150) includes a sensor (152) that is operative to provide a signal responsive to movement of the actuator member (170) relative to the side link (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Rogers Industrial Products Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Cole, Normal Robert Knoedler
  • Publication number: 20090074900
    Abstract: A visual monitoring device for rotary presses, in which a rotor, with upper and lower punches and a die plate, at least one compression station, at least one filling station, and at least one ejector station are arranged in a housing, at which individual process steps occur, characterized in that arranged in the housing is at least one high speed camera, whose lens is directed onto a location in the housing, and to which an image analysis device is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Fette GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Meier, Ingo Schmidt, Peter Lueneburg
  • Patent number: 7438546
    Abstract: An apparatus for orienting section of a plasticized ceramic extrudate includes a marking assembly for applying an orientation reference mark to a plasticized ceramic extrudate exiting an extrusion die onto an extrudate support, and at least one extrudate-contacting deformable roller having an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is pivotable with respect to a movement of the extrudate exiting an extrusion die, and wherein the roller is adapted to contact the extrudate and correct a corkscrew deformation of the extrudate exiting the extrusion die. The apparatus also includes at least one extrudate-contacting orientation control member for correcting the orientation of a cut section of the extrudate on the extrudate support in response to a misalignment of the reference mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott L Adriaansen, Kim F Cobb-Cain, Kevin B Sterner
  • Publication number: 20080110342
    Abstract: A filtration device including a filtration medium having a plurality of nanofibers of diameters less than 1 micron formed into a fiber mat in the presence of an abruptly varying electric field. The filtration device includes a support attached to the filtration medium and having openings for fluid flow therethrough. A device for making a filter material. The device includes an electrospinning element configured to electrospin a plurality of fibers from a tip of the electrospinning element, a collector opposed to the electrospinning element configured to collect electrospun fibers on a surface of the collector, and an electric field modulation device configured to abruptly vary an electric field at the collector at least once during electrospinning of the fibers. A method for making a filter material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventors: David S. Ensor, Howard J. Walls, Anthony L. Andrady, Teri A. Walker
  • Patent number: 7314363
    Abstract: A device to visualize in-line the polymer melting in plasticating screw machines has an external metallic cylinder to be fixed in radial position regarding the barrel of the plasticating machine, a bushing with an optical window clear to the visible light spectrum resistant to pressure and temperature positioned in such a way that its external face is tangent to the internal surface of the barrel of the plasticating machine, and an internal metallic cylinder to guide the coolant gas and allow the use of an observation probe with operating temperature limits and an illumination system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: ICIPC-Instituto de Capacitacion e Investigacion del Plastico y del Caucho
    Inventors: Maria Del Pilar Noriega Escobar, Alberto Naranjo Carvajal, Tim Andreas Osswald, Nicola Ferrier
  • Patent number: 7300270
    Abstract: A cover for an opening of an ejector housing of a mold assembly comprises a cover portion and a mounting portion, the mounting portion is attached to a member defining the ejector housing at a side thereof comprising an interior wall of the ejector housing and the cover portion covering the opening defined by the ends of the members surrounding the ejector housing. The cover is attached to a side of the member by at least one fastener located so as not to be accessible for removing the housing cover as the mold assembly is mounted in a machine. A mold assembly comprises a cover in accordance with the invention. The cover advantageously comprising at least one opening therethrough to permit guarded examination of components of an ejector device within the ejector housing and viewable from the end of the ejector housing at which the cover is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: D-M-E Company
    Inventor: Joseph Buttigieg
  • Patent number: 7204682
    Abstract: Apparatus for making a reinforced fibrous absorbent member includes a forming chamber adapted to receive a fluent fibrous material and a forming surface moveable within the forming chamber and adapted to collect fibrous material to form the absorbent member. A source of reinforcing web is disposed exteriorly of the forming chamber. A delivery tube has an inlet end open to the forming chamber exterior, a discharge end open to the forming chamber interior, and a central passage extending between the inlet end and the discharge end. At least a portion of the delivery tube adjacent the discharge end extends within the forming chamber interior. The delivery tube is arranged for receiving the reinforcing web from the source of reinforcing web into the central passage of the tube at the inlet end and for guiding the web to the discharge end for conveyance within the forming chamber toward the forming surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Venturino, Susan J. Daniels, David W. Heyn, James M. Kaun, Derek P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7204683
    Abstract: A mold is provided in which a molding portion, formed between joint surfaces of upper and lower molds superimposed one upon the other, is filled with UV curable resin after arranging a coating formation portion of an optical fiber in the molding portion, the coating formation portion is coated with the UV curable resin when the resin is cured by irradiating light thereto from outside, and a shading plate is arranged in the periphery of the molding portion. In a case equipped with the mold, there is provided a mirror or a lens for reflecting UV light to UV curable resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Shibata, Tomohiro Akiyama, Hideki Watanabe, Hidekazu Kojima
  • Patent number: 7182902
    Abstract: A method for making crayons is provided. The method employs an apparatus which 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 timer and a cover prevents access to the melt pan and the mold during particular operating conditions of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Binney & Smith Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Cziraky
  • Patent number: 7052261
    Abstract: A device suitable for use by children which recycles broken crayons and other materials by melting and molding. A stationary melting pot securely retains the charge material during heating. A housing substantially surrounds the melting pot and an associated mold chamber to isolate young operators from all heated surfaces. The melting pot is charged from outside of the housing by use of a filling port. A remotely operated gate controls the flow from the melting pot to a mold. A door provides access to the mold when open and prevents access to the mold chamber when closed. A warning light glows when a heating element for the melting chamber is energized. Various safety switches interrupt power to the heating element if certain conditions are not met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Mark S. Fernandez, Andy O. Stortroen
  • Patent number: 7022271
    Abstract: For observing a flow of molten resin in an injection molding apparatus, a transparent cylinder, which is formed of transparent glass or transparent plastic material, is used in place of a mold of the apparatus. Because filling the transparent cylinder with the molten resin up to the cylinder's full capacity will burst the cylinder, the molten resin injection is terminated on the way when the injected molten resin has occupied a predetermined percentage, in a range of 50–90%, of the total volume of the cylinder, so that a burst of the cylinder can be avoided. The transparent cylinder provides for an increased resin-flow observation range because of its transparency, and can be less expensive because it is formed of inexpensive glass or plastic. As a consequence, there can be provided an efficient resin-flow observing experiment apparatus at lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Suganuma
  • Patent number: 7011509
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooled calibrating device for a plastic extrusion facility, comprising a housing (5) receiving a cooling liquid (2) and calibrating guides (6) through which a plastic profile (1) is passed, in addition to inlet and outlet holes (10, 23) having attached lines for the cooling liquid, wherein an area (21) free of liquid and filled with air remains above the level of the cooling liquid. An outlet hole (10) for the cooling liquid is arranged at the height of the cooling liquid level (20) in the calibrating device so that the cooling liquid can flow out without an additional pump. An outlet line (11) attached to the outlet hole extends vertically and ends in a cooling liquid reservoir (12) that is subjected to an external atmosphere, wherein a compact liquid column (24) is formed in the outlet line (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Veka AG
    Inventor: Helmut Klein
  • Patent number: 6969245
    Abstract: Injection-moulding machine with at least one handling device, with an electronic stored-program control (SPC) for the injection-moulding machine and an electronic stored-program control for the handling device, characterized in that the stored-program control (SPC IMM, 17) for the injection-moulding machine (IMM) and the stored-program control (SPC R, 29) for the handling device (10) are realized on one and the same, common digital computer (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Engel Maschinenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Rupert Mörwald, Engelbert Kastner
  • Patent number: 6902387
    Abstract: An apparatus for making crayons is provided. 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Binney & Smith Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Cziraky
  • Patent number: 6814557
    Abstract: An extruder, and a method of using the same, that provides instantaneous inspection of the extrudate. The invention incorporates the use of video monitors electrically connected to video cameras, to provide magnification observation of the extrudate, and may use associated mirrors to observe the extrudate along multiple views as it exits the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Swanson, Lucien M. Rucker
  • Patent number: 6779999
    Abstract: An elongate threaded rod member comprises a central portion, and two oppositely extending outer portions. The central portion is attached to the periphery of the first plate, is rotatable with respect to the first plate and is prevented from axial movement relative thereto. Each outer portion includes a threaded portion with each having the same threading pitch and density but being in opposite orientation. A threaded connector is secured to the periphery of each second plate with each threaded portion in screw-threaded relation. The threaded portions rotate within each bore an equal an opposite amount, equalizing the distances of each second mold plate from the first mold plate as the apparatus is moved between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Injectnotech Inc.
    Inventor: Vince Ciccone
  • Publication number: 20040146596
    Abstract: An optical fiber coating mold which is comprised of upper and lower molds having joint surfaces, a molding portion where a coating formation portion of an optical fiber can be arranged and a supply passage for supplying UV curable resin being formed between the joint surfaces of the upper and lower molds when the joint surfaces are superimposed one upon the other, the molding portion being filled with UV curable resin after arranging the coating formation portion of the optical fiber in the molding portion, the coating formation portion of the optical fiber being coated with the UV curable resin when the UV curable resin is cured by irradiating light thereto from outside, in which a shading plate is arranged in the periphery of the molding portion. In a case equipped with such a mold, there is provided a mirror or a lens for reflecting UV light to UV curable resin, the mirror or the lens being provided so as to secure the field of view for observation of the interior through an observation window of the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Toshio Shibata, Tomohiro Akiyama, Hideki Watanabe, Hidekazu Kojima
  • Patent number: 6755633
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing fiberglass-reinforced panels are provided. The apparatus includes a guide mechanism and drive mechanism to drive individual elongate molds through a gel coating spraying section and thereafter through an oven to cure the gel coat. The elongate molds are thereafter driven through first and second resin/fiberglass application stations to apply a composite of resin and fiberglass strands. The apparatus also includes a station whereby wooden boards may be placed over the top of the resin and the fiberglass strands, and thereafter to a vacuum station whereby a vacuum can be placed over the wooden boards, such that when a vacuum is drawn on the composite, the resin is drawn into the wooden boards to form an integrated deposit panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Lester D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6729866
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar M. Buazza, Stephen C. Luetke, Galen R. Powers, Matthew C. Lattis, Larry H. Joel
  • Patent number: 6702564
    Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system may be configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner. An embodiment of the lens curing system includes an apparatus for preparing an eyeglass lens. The apparatus may include ones or more lens curing units, a mold assembly and mold assembly holders. At least one lens curing unit may include a heating system. The mold assembly holders, in some embodiments, may be colored. The apparatus may include a conveyor system configured to convey the mold assembly through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Foreman, Galen R. Powers, Matthew C. Lattis
  • Patent number: 6688870
    Abstract: An optical fiber coating device that recoats a coating removed portion of an optical fiber with light-curing resin has an observation window through which a mold inside of a shielding lid that covers the mold can be confirmed in a state where the shielding lid remains closed. There is provided an open/close lid that can open/close the observation window. An optical shielding guard plate is provided around the observation window. A filter that cuts off the external light having a specific wavelength is provided on the observation window. There is provided a photo sensor that can detect the amount of light of a light source that irradiates a light onto the light-curing resin, and the amount of light can be automatically adjusted on the basis of the detected result of the photo sensor. An alarm that urges to exchange the light source is raised on the basis of the detected result of the photo sensor. There is provided a TV camera that can capture the interior of the mold and other portions to be observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Shibata, Hideki Watanabe, Hidekazu Kojima
  • Patent number: 6682668
    Abstract: A process for lining an existing pipeline or conduit with a flexible resin impregnated cured in place liner by pulling in the liner and inflating it with a reusable endless inflation bladder is provided. The liner includes a resin absorbent material in tubular form with an impermeable membrane forming an outer layer. The absorbent material is saturated with a thermoset resin and pulled into the existing conduit. A flexible inflation bladder maintained on a inflation bladder spool is everted into the collapse liner which is then forced against the interior surfaces of the existing conduit, allow to cure and the bladder removed and rewound on the spool. When the everting and curing fluid is hot water, the hot water is removed and stored for reuse as the inflation bladder is withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventors: Franklin T. Driver, Charles H. Nance, Richard C. Polivka
  • Patent number: 6673283
    Abstract: An adjustable core pin, and method of use thereof, for molding vials for use in levels, including an elongate rod with a barrel-shaped distal section having a crest at its cross section with the greatest diameter and a rod retainer with a cavity which receives the rod such that the distal end of the rod projects from a rod retainer distal opening, the rod being adjustable in relation to the rod retainer so that the crest can be adjustably placed at a preferred position in a molding cavity for vial molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Empire Level Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph B. Coel, Roger D. Stanford