Reshaping Or Vulcanizing Means Is A Press Patents (Class 425/327)
  • Patent number: 6582215
    Abstract: An automatic slug feeding device for delivering slugs to a compression mold for molding golf ball cores is characterized by synchronized rotary transfer, slug conveyance, gripping mechanism transfer and a tray conveyor for transferring slugs from an extruder to a mold loading robotic arm, and subsequently to a mold press. The rotary transfer device receives slugs from the extruder and the slug conveyor linearly conveys individual slugs from the transfer device. The gripping mechanism simultaneously removes a plurality of slugs from the conveyor and deposits them in an array of receptacles in a molding trays which are shuttled to an unload position, where the mold loading robotic arm transfers slugs into a mold press. Storage of extruded slugs prior to compression molding is thus eliminated, cycle time is reduced, core quality is improved, and operator safety is maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Cloutier
  • Patent number: 6575726
    Abstract: Accurately and uniformly cooling a preformed plastic sheet that is formed at elevated temperature in an elongated plastic sheet die, using upper, middle and lower vertically arranged cylindrical cooling rolls closely spaced to one another to engage the sheet between them, and providing one or more auxiliary cooling rolls connected to provide additional cooling for the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Welex Incorporated
    Inventor: James C. Nissel
  • Patent number: 6558146
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an in-line compounding and extrusion deposition compression molding apparatus and method for producing a fiber-reinforced molded structural component is provided. The apparatus comprises an extruder device having an internal cavity formed therein and an extruder screw rotatably disposed within the internal cavity for producing a polymer melt. A deposition die head is disposed at a first end of the device, the deposition die head having a die channel disposed therein for receiving the polymer melt from the device. The apparatus includes at least one fiber element for feeding at least one reinforcing fiber element into the die channel for compounding the at least one reinforcing fiber element with the polymer melt to produce a fiber-reinforced polymer compound. The apparatus additionally includes a mold for receiving the fiber-reinforced polymer compound to form the fiber-reinforced molded structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh Deepchand Shah, Edward Joseph Wenzel
  • Patent number: 6540497
    Abstract: A secondary molding apparatus includes a transfer path for a primary molded product, and an internal heating unit disposed vertically at a predetermined interval across the transfer path, the internal heating unit disposed to come into contact with a rear surface of a flat base material and to melt top portions of protrusions located on a front surface of the flat base material. The secondary molding apparatus also includes a pressing member disposed vertically at a predetermined interval across the transfer path, the pressing member configured to press and deform the top portions of the protrusion to a desired shape, the pressing member being a non-heating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Fuda, Shinichi Daijyogo
  • Patent number: 6468461
    Abstract: In a process and apparatus for producing long plastic sheets by pressing molten plastic materials between the forming roller and the forming drum unit, the forming drum unit including a thin cylindrical sleeve supported from inside by a drum support unit and pressed against the outer surface of the forming roller to deform elastically in a curve along the outer surface of the forming roller as it rotates, thus maintaining a relatively long contact length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Chiba Machine Industry Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Sumiyoshi, Keiichi Ueba
  • Publication number: 20020055008
    Abstract: A visual effect, such as a granite-look, is produced in a thermoplastic product by directly applying a sufficient amount of at least one color-containing thermoplastic resin system to the surface of an extruded sheet of a thermoplastic resin. The color-containing thermoplastic resin system is applied onto the extruded sheet after it emerges from the die and prior to it entering the rollstack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Bennett, Steve Wasson, Gary Kogowski
  • Publication number: 20020048615
    Abstract: An apparatus for making a very thin unvulcanized rubber tape having a finished thickness T0 in a range of from 0.3 to 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: Masahiko Ohki
  • Patent number: 6371750
    Abstract: A device for smoothing and cooling of a material sheet (8) of thermoplastic, especially a film or sheet which are processed into plates which have been extruded by an extruder via a sheet die. Two pairs of units (2, 3; 4, 5) are provided which oppose each other and act on the surfaces (9, 10) of the material sheet (8). The units each have an active area (11) to contact the material sheet (8) forming part of the metal belt (12). The lower surface of the metal belt (12) is coolable in areas below the active area (11). The metal belt (12) is guided over a driving roll (20), which is drivable. The units provide a universal temperature profile, which is achieved over the thickness of a material sheet (8) while cooling and smoothing the sheet. Accordingly, stress differences are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Adolf Seide
  • Patent number: 6364652
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer films with improved transverse direction properties comprises two preferably embossed rollers which oscillate oppositely with respect to each along their respective rotational axes. Film made by passing a liquid crystalline polymer between such rolls has improved transverse direction properties. Such films are useful in multilayer containers and for circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: DuPont Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Eldon Lawrence Fletcher, Anthony Joseph Cesaroni
  • Publication number: 20020015751
    Abstract: A calendar device for rolling an extruded plastic material comprises at least two elongate rolls, which are arranged essentially in parallel to form the extruded material into a web-shaped material. One of the rolls is a cooling roll, which at least partially is immersed in a cooling bath to cool the roll together with the rolled material when abutting against the cooling roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ake Rosen
  • Publication number: 20010026027
    Abstract: An improved process for producing polybutadiene golf ball cores is disclosed. The golf ball cores are from polybutadiene rubber compositions having a high Mooney viscosity and/or a high molecular weight and a low dispersity is disclosed. An apparatus for producing the polybutadiene golf ball cores is also disclosed. The apparatus includes an internal mixer that compounds a batch of golf ball core stock. A sheeter forms sheets of golf ball core stock and has a sheeter inlet proximate the mixer outlet and a sheeter outlet. A preform shaper forms golf ball core preforms from the sheets of golf ball core stock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: SPALDING SPORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: R. Dennis Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 6283016
    Abstract: An unwinding machine (10) with forming cylinders (11, 12, 13) has bearing blocks (26, 27) in which the forming cylinders (11, 12, 13) are supported. The bearing blocks (26, 27) are disposed in recesses (32) of partition walls (25, 25a) of the unwinding machine (10) and are secured by means of clamping devices (35). Furthermore, the forming cylinders (11, 12, 13) are coupled to a common drive motor (15). The unwinding machine (10) according to the invention permits a simple exchanging of the forming cylinders (11, 12, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Cotteverte, Daniel Bernard
  • Patent number: 6276919
    Abstract: An automated pretzel forming machine that produces fresh unbaked pretzels with hand formed characteristics by extruding premixed dough onto a folding table. This table is moved by a bi-directional positioning stage, forming the unfolded and untwisted pretzel shape. The folding table twists the ends of the extruded dough rope then folds the twisted portion on top of the main body of extruded dough resulting in the classic hand twisted pretzel shape. The twisted and folded pretzel is transferred from the folding table through the use of a lift and rotate unit and is subjected to a patterned soda spray and salted before being unloaded from the lift and rotate unit to an existing conveyor oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Fred Charles Jensen, Barbara Elizabeth Jensen, John Richard Avalon
  • Patent number: 6254373
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous production, processing and packaging of a final chewing gum product. The product is extruded as a continuous tape or ribbon of material, the material is flattened into a approximate final cross-sectional size and shape, and then inserted into a final sizing apparatus. The sizing apparatus maintains the gum product in its final cross-sectional size and shape. Thereafter, the continuous strip of final chewing gum product is scored, cut into individual pieces, and individually wrapped by a standard packaging machine. The individually wrapped pieces of gum can then be assembled into sets and packaged into packs of gum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: Earl Roger Hoffman, Anita Friberg, Marc Degady
  • Patent number: 6231327
    Abstract: A material extrusion and patterning machine for a workpiece having an irregularly curved edge and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the machine includes: (1) a frame, (2) a fixture coupled to the frame for rotation relative thereto and having a clamp adapted to hold the workpiece, (3) an extrusion head, coupled to the frame for translation relative thereto and adapted to move relative to the axis of rotation to follow the edge and (4) a mold mount, coupled to the frame for translation relative thereto and adapted to move relative to the axis of rotation to follow the edge, the extrusion head and mold mount cooperating to deposit the material on the edge and allow a mount to place a pattern on the material as the workpiece rotates relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Mastercraft Industries, L.P.
    Inventors: James William Shanahan, Bobby Allen Mihlhauser
  • Patent number: 6210146
    Abstract: To provide a friction component of a multilayer structure in which each layer can be formed so as to have a specified thickness, as well as its manufacturing apparatus and method. A side plate 3 having a void 3a of a specified depth formed therein is provided between a plunger 2 and a fixed mold 5 so as to move in the horizontal direction. A hopper 6 for adhesive-layer materials is provided near a molding box 1. An output port 6a in the hopper is located so as to contact slide plate 3. When the side plate 3 is moved in the lateral direction in the figure so that the void 3a is located under the hopper 6, the lower end surface 6b of the hopper acts as a leveling plate to feed an adhesive-layer material 8 into the void. The adhesive-layer material is moved to the lower part of the molding box 1, a specified amount of friction material 9 is fed in such a way that its thickness becomes uniform, and the plunger is then used to pressurize and mold the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Nisshimbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Masanori Chiba, Takayuki Kato
  • Patent number: 6206679
    Abstract: An enhanced flexibility fastener product has a base and hook elements extending from the base. Rip-stops integrally molded with the base and with the hook elements are offset relative to the hook elements to reduce widthwise stiffness of the fastener product. Edge margins of the fastener are feathered in that they taper or otherwise reduce in thickness over an extended distance, preferably from at or near the hooks to an edge, resulting in a softer, less irritating fastener tape. Fasteners according to the invention are particularly advantageous on disposable absorbent garments such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and other articles of wear which come into contact with a user's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: George A. Provost, James V. Stumpf, A. Todd Leak, Apiromraj S. Roslansky
  • Patent number: 6190594
    Abstract: Tool rolls and methods of using the tool rolls to manufacture articles with one or more structured surfaces are disclosed. The tool rolls include an outer surface that, when used in connection with materials of the proper viscosity or formability, can form a structured surface on an article. Because the tools are manufactured in roll-form, they can be advantageously used in continuous manufacturing processes. Alternatively, discrete articles may be processed using the tool rolls. The tool rolls are constructed of a cylindrical base roll and are wrapped with one or more continuous wires in a helical pattern. The wires are used, in essence, to form a structured surface on the tool roll that is the negative of the structured surface to be formed on the articles processed using the tool roll. One of the wires wound around the base roll may include a plurality of voids formed therein that, when wound in helical coils about the base roll, form a plurality of mold cavities on the outer surface of the tool roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Gorman, Roger D. Pavlis
  • Patent number: 6186765
    Abstract: Molten polymers are forced into T dies combined to form a multiple T die, the molten polymers are extruded through the T dies in monolayer. The monolayers extruded through the T dies are superposed and laminated outside the multiple T die while the polymers are in a molten or semi-molten state to form a intermediate molten multilayer. The multiple T die is advanced into a space between an open top half mold and a bottom half mold of a compression mold to deliver the intermediate multilayer onto the bottom half mold. The intermediate multilayer is cut to a predetermined length on the bottom half mold, and is processed for compression molding in the compression mold to form a multilayer article. A molding cycle for molding the multilayer article is carried out automatically at a remarkably improved manufacturing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akinori Ide, Takehiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6095787
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a skid-resistant surface on a thermoformed object such as a bed liner. The method includes forming a blank of extruded plastic material, abrading the surface with a wire brush, reheating the blank and thermoforming the blank to open the abraded surface of the blank. The apparatus includes an extruder delivery mechanism delivering a blank of sheet material to a wire brush which is turned by an electric motor at a speed slightly greater and in the same direction as the travel of the blank under the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Colonel's, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis B. Bills, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6074192
    Abstract: A lenticular pattern forming roll, used for forming a lenticular screen, includes a chill roll and a lenticular sleeve positioned on the chill roll. The lenticular sleeve has a lenticular pattern formed on an outer surface for forming a corresponding lenticular pattern in a plastic sheet. The sleeve may be readily manufactured and transported to a desired location to be installed on the chill roll. The lenticular pattern forming roll may be readily used in combination with an extruder for extruding a hot plastic sheet to form the lenticular screen. The sleeve may also be removed from the chill roll and transported for resurfacing and without requiring transporting of the chill roll. The lenticular sleeve may preferably comprise a nickel-phosphorous composition defining at least a radially outermost portion of the sleeve in which the lenticular pattern is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Oystein Mikkelsen
  • Patent number: 6071110
    Abstract: A polishing roll, used for forming a smooth plastic sheet, includes a chill roll and a polishing sleeve positioned on the chill roll. The polishing sleeve has a polished outer surface for forming a corresponding smooth surface in a plastic sheet. The sleeve may be readily manufactured and transported to a desired location to be installed on the chill roll. The polishing roll may be readily used in combination with an extruder for extruding a hot plastic sheet to form the smooth plastic sheet. The sleeve may also be removed from the chill roll and transported for resurfacing and without requiring transporting of the chill roll. The sleeve may preferably comprise a nickel-phosphorous composition defining at least a radially outermost portion of the sleeve in which the polished surface is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Oystein Mikkelsen
  • Patent number: 6062844
    Abstract: An elongated flooring member includes an array of pyramid-shaped tread members to form an anti-skid surface. Longitudinally extending features of the flooring member are formed by an extrusion process which is followed by an embossing process to cut extruded flutes into the pyramid-shaped tread members. A first version of the flooring member includes a pair of channels extending downward from an upper web on which the tread is formed, for attachment to a substrate. A second version of the flooring member has an adhesive layer fastened under the upper web for attachment to a single plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Julius Biro
  • Patent number: 5984658
    Abstract: A thin sheet forming roll includes a metallic elastic external cylinder (102) comprising a metal tube capable of elastic deformation, a shaft portion (103) for closing both ends of the metallic elastic external cylinder (102), and a cooling fluid (104) filled under an internal pressure into the metallic elastic external cylinder (102). When a melt resin from a die of an extruder is pinched between the roll and an opposite roll, that part of the metallic elastic external cylinder (102) which is pressed against the melt resin changes into a shape adapted to the outer diameter of the opposite roll, because the metal tube of the metallic elastic external cylinder (102) is elastically deformable against the pressure of the cooling fluid. Thus, a smooth thin sheet free from bank marks is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Modern Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5971739
    Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production, processing and packaging of a final chewing gum product. The product is extruded as a continuous tape or ribbon of material, the material is flattened into a approximate final cross-sectional size and shape, and then inserted into a final sizing apparatus. The sizing apparatus maintains the gum product in its final cross-sectional size and shape. Thereafter, the continuous strip of final chewing gum product is scored, cut into individual pieces, and individually wrapped by a standard packaging machine. The individually wrapped pieces of gum can then be assembled into sets and packaged into packs of gum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Earl Roger Hoffman, Anita Friberg, Marc Degady
  • Patent number: 5955012
    Abstract: Substantially constant tension is maintained on a melt-blown nonwoven fibrous sheet by mounting the sheet take-up roller for longitudinal movements relative so as to accommodate the increasing diameter of the sheet material being wound convolutely on the take-up roller. Sheet tension during production is thereby maintained substantially constant by virtue of a continual increase in the longitudinal distance (in relation to the machine direction) between the fiber collection mandrel and the take-up roll. Preferably, tension control is achieved by a pneumatic pressure-regulating system which includes at least one rotatable press roller which is longitudinally fixed in position relative to the collection mandrel and is in contact with the sheet material being wound around the take-up roll. The take-up roller is pneumatically advanced toward the press roller by the pneumatic actuation of at least one air cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: USF Fultration and Separations Group Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Yingling, Charles S. Hoffman, Jr., Robert J. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5932150
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for impressing a diffraction image into an oriented polymeric film wherein, after orientation of the film, the temperature of the film is raised to a desired annealing temperature, the film temperature being continuously maintained above room temperature while a diffraction pattern is embossed directly into the surface of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Holo-Source Corporation
    Inventor: Deryl C. Lacey
  • Patent number: 5928679
    Abstract: An elastomeric extruding apparatus having a head, to which a plurality of extruders are coupled, and a rotatable, driven roller disposed at the front end of the head so as to form an extruding space between the roller and the head. The head is provided with a passage arrangement, through which the elastomeric materials pass, eventually opening into the extruding space. The extruding space has a uniform chamber extending from the opening of the passage arrangement and a finishing chamber communicating with the uniform chamber for shaping the elastomer into its final sectional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Ohki, Shuichi Yamamori
  • Patent number: 5912026
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for forming a hinge in a sheet of extruded plastic. Plastic material is extruded and passed between a pair of rolls to determine the thickness of the plastic sheet. A groove forming member of a scoring assembly then creates a groove in the sheet of plastic when the plastic is still warm. The groove forming process creates a plastic ridge on both sides of the groove. To flatten these ridges, the sheet then passes through a second set of rolls. The sheet of plastic, still warm, is then cooled by a conventional method. The scoring assembly is movable along the width of the sheet of plastic and is adjustable for the depth of groove. The scoring assembly can also be removable. Once a groove is created, the groove acts as a hinge and the sheet can be bent or folded along the grooved edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Preferred Plastic Sheet Company
    Inventors: Cem M. Gokcen, Keith Hoschouer
  • Patent number: 5885691
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing reinforced twin-sheet thermoformed articles comprising the steps of heating first and second sheets of thermoplastic material; forming the sheets in molds; heating a reinforcing insert of thermoplastic material; placing the heated insert on the first sheet in its mold at the location to be reinforced; pressing the second sheet into contact with the heated first sheet and the heated insert to form the insert between the sheets so that a fusion of the thermoplastic sheets and the insert takes place to produce a reinforced section of the article having a desired shape and thickness. Alternative processes are disclosed wherein a heated quantity of thermoplastic liquid material is extruded or injected between the first and second sheets within the first and second molds either by inserting the liquid material before the molds are closed or by injecting it through one of the molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: TriEnda Corporation
    Inventors: Harlon W. Breezer, William F. Price
  • Patent number: 5855830
    Abstract: Controlling device and method for an extruder which can continuously process materials of different kinds without burning a following material and without causing variation in physical properties by allowing the following material to succeed to a preceding material without running out of sheet when the materials are replaced. In an extruder in which a roller die 2 having upper and lower parallel rollers 9 is arranged in front of an outlet of an extruder body 1 rotatably including screws 3 for extruding material and a bank portion 12 surrounded by the upper and lower rollers 9 and a side guide 20 closing both of right and left sides of the outlet 7 is formed, the roller die 2 is once stopped when the quantity of the bank portion 12 reaches the bank quantity which is the minimum for the preceding material to be extruded to be succeeded by the following different material to be extruded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventor: Masahiko Abe
  • Patent number: 5851467
    Abstract: A plurality of molded surface fasteners, each having a substrate sheet and a multiplicity of hook elements, are connected to one another via a sheet-like connector embedded in the individual substrate sheets over their entire area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuichi Murasaki
  • Patent number: 5846577
    Abstract: A continuously operating press for pressing a web of material together has a press zone at an input side a calibration zone at an output side. This press may be used in the formation of particle board by applying heat and pressure to press the web of material together to form the particle board. Preferably, the press has a lower press platen and an upper press platen that are pressed together to form the particle board. Both the lower press platen and the upper press platen preferably have a PTFE composite pressure pad. This composite pressure pad may have a layer of virgin PTFE and a layer of filled PTFE. The layer of filled PTFE is preferably partially compressed at a pressure of about 14.7 psi. After which, the layer of filled PTFE is preferably compression molded with the layer of virgin PTFE to form a composite. This composite may also be sintered and coined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, Myron A. Rudner
  • Patent number: 5840359
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for the manufacture of noodles, in which a mixture of cereal semolina or flour and water is prepared in a twin-screw kneader, the mixture is converted into a band of pasta by pressing it through a die with an oblong outlet orifice, the band is laminated and it is cut into noodles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jurg Lechthaler, Shiok Guat Teh, Luca Rusconi, Philipp Paul Meyer, Othman Mohamad Yusoff
  • Patent number: 5792487
    Abstract: A corrugated plastic panel is produced by providing a plastic panel corrugation device whereby a plastic material is extruded, a cooled extrusion is formed by passing the extrusion through a cooling roller assembly, a corrugated extrusion is formed by passing the cooled extrusion through a forming roller assembly when the cooled extrusion has reached its impressionable temperature range, a corrugated extrusion is passed through a pulling roller assembly when the corrugated extrusion has reached its hardening temperature range, and a corrugated plastic panel is formed by passing the corrugated extrusion through an extrusion cutting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Witt Plastics of Florida Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Lee Wenning, Charles L. Beatty
  • Patent number: 5788901
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing continuous lengths of compression-molded material containing thermoplastic resin. Discrete lengths of extruded material are indexed through a compression mold. The mold forms, hardens, and integrally joins two successive extruded segments of material. A first molded segment is indexed forward leaving a trailing portion in the mold. A subsequent segment is extruded into the mold, and is integrally joined to the trailing portion by compressing the mold. Subsequent segments can be joined to produce a continuous profiled length formed from recycled thermoplastic material, while avoiding damage and downtime caused by contaminants in recycled material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Ecologix Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Barnard, Timothy C. Rozema, Martin J. Walsh, Andrew C. Poste
  • Patent number: 5779962
    Abstract: Methods of extruding thin multiphase polymer films using a flat film extrusion die closely spaced to a nip to transport and cool the melt from the die to produce thin multiphase polymer films having substantially uniform calipers of about 250 micrometers or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Warren Steve Andraschko, Bruce B. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5770122
    Abstract: Roll-forming apparatus and method for more precisely shaping an extruded-plastic Fresnel lens. A drive/support roller is rotatably mounted to the support frame and the surface of which engages and rotates to support the smooth outer surface of an extruded arcuate, elongated linear Fresnel lens. A tooth-forming roller is rotatably mounted to the support frame and has an external profile with tooth-forming projections formed thereon for engagement with the grooves on the inner surface of the extruded sheet, said tooth-forming roller being positioned on the inner surface of the Fresnel lens opposite the drive/support roller and being loosely mounted on the support frame to track the grooves formed in the Fresnel lens to improve the profile of the lens section by sharpening the root radius and flattening the optical face of each lens section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Donald B. Curchod
  • Patent number: 5759455
    Abstract: A roller-shaped stamper has a scale portion with a light transmitting forming portion for forming the light transmitting portion on the resin, and a light shield forming portion for forming the light shielding portion of the resin, wherein the forming portions are alternately arranged with a constant pitch in a direction of rotation of said roller-shaped stamper; a plurality of scale portions are arranged in a direction normal to the direction of rotation of the roller-shaped stamper; and a groove disposed between the plural scale portions and extending in the direction of rotation of the roller-shaped stamper for exhausting air otherwise trapped between the resin and the roller-shaped stamper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Kamitakahara, Osamu Kanome
  • Patent number: 5746956
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel kind of aluminum laminally filled plastic pellets and a process and apparatus for manufacturing the plastic pellets. The process includes coating the upper and lower surfaces of each of the substantially parallel lined aluminum foil layers with a coupling agent; drying the aluminum foil layers; introducing a molten plastic matrix to the space between each two aluminum foil layers and the outer surfaces of the most outside two aluminum foil layers to moisturize and bind the aluminum foil layers; reducing the thickness of the aluminum foil layers to form a continuous laminally filled plastic composite plate; and cooling and cutting the composite plate into aluminum laminally filled plastic pellets of a predetermined size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: National Science Council
    Inventors: Tung-Han Chuang, Ching-Bin Lin, Teng-Chun Tsai, Jiin-Chyuan Chang
  • Patent number: 5707660
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing an oriented plastic strap having a predetermined desired thickness for use in connection with the strapping of packages or the like. Heating is provided in connection with the surface of the sheet workpiece which is exposed to the ambient air prior to entry of the workpiece into the nip defined between the pair of rollers such that both surfaces will have similar temperature levels so as to exhibit similar density properties, and still further, the edge portions of the sheet workpiece are also heated so as to advantageously control the degree of flatness of the sheet material or workpiece across the width thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Signode Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Van Erden, Manuel C. Enriquez, Hans Weltekamper
  • Patent number: 5690876
    Abstract: A system for the continuous production of asphalt-based roofing shakes which are tapered and embossed to resemble wood shakes in looks and function; and the shake made thereby. The continuous production system hot-mixes and extrudes the ingredients in a tapered layer on a conveyor belt for embossing and cutting. The system permits wood-shake type variety in size and appearance. The preferred shake includes perlite as a filler and chopped glass fibers as a reinforcer and may be internally colored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Francis Anthony Gallo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5690875
    Abstract: A high-quality molded surface fastener is manufactured by extruding molten thermoplastic resin, in a predetermined width, from an extrusion nozzle to a circumferential surface of a die wheel having a multiplicity of engaging-element-forming cavities, driving the die wheel for rotation, and molding a multiplicity of engaging elements integrally with a plate-like substrate sheet. At the same time, pseudo elements are molded integrally with the substrate sheet along opposite side edges, using pseudo-element-forming cavities in opposite side circumferential surfaces of the die wheel simultaneously. With the pseudo elements, the molded surface fastener is peeled off the die wheel under a uniform peeling force through the entire width of the substrate sheet. Thus the high-quality surface fastener can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Sakakibara, Ryuichi Murasaki, Tsuyoshi Minato
  • Patent number: 5674442
    Abstract: In an apparatus and process for manufacturing a thermoplastic sheet or film having superior optical characteristics such as improved transparency, gloss and surface smoothness, a thermoplastic sheet is extruded, passed between a cast drum and an endless metallic belt while being compressed and subjected to a primary cooling by the belt and drum. The sheet or film is secondarily cooled in a water bath, after which it is dewatered and subjected to a thermal treatment at a temperature in the range of 40.degree. C. below, to 15.degree. C. above the thermal deformation temperature of the resin sheet to produce the improved sheet of the invention. In addition to producing a film or sheet with improved characteristics, the apparatus of the invention allows production of sheets or films at a rate up to about 10 m/min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: IPEC Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Keita Morita
  • Patent number: 5667814
    Abstract: This invention relates to making backwindable rod shaped batts or logs from highly oriented flash-spun continuous fibers. The fibers are conducted from the exit of a spinneret through a tunnel and into a two stage diverging nozzle to slow down the fibers for an organized collection in the collection section. The invention further includes an inflatable bladder in a discharge section for initiating the formation of the log and a mesh screen in the collection section for reducing the occurrence of fiber blow out through the gas discharge ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Ashok Harakhlal Shah
  • Patent number: 5658514
    Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic resin sheet or film, wherein a raw resin material containing one or more of the following additives: a nucleating agent, fine powder of a high melting point polymer, a petroleum resin, a terpene resin and an organic peroxide (and/or a crystalline polypropylenic copolymer) is melted under heat to form a resin sheet or film, the resulting resin sheet or film is brought into contact with and adhered to the outer surface of a cooling roll having a mirror-finished surface or the outer surface of an endless metal belt having a mirror-finished surface and then it is moved along with the roll or the belt, thereafter it is inserted, pressed and cooled between the outer surface of the cooling roll and the outer surface of the endless metal belt. The non-oriented sheet or film thus produced has a high surface gloss, a high surface smoothness and a high transparency and is suitable for wrapping foods and medicines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Fujii, Akira Funaki, Tohru Yukumoto
  • Patent number: 5639404
    Abstract: The height of the bulge in the glazing roll gap of a supercalender in the extrusion of plates or films of a thermoplastic material smoothed on both sides may be controlled by measuring the location of the edges of the plastic sheet by means of measuring sensors and regulating the speed of the roll or the rate of extrusion of the polymer melt based on the width of the sheet so that the height of the bulge is always kept within tight tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Roehm GmbH Chemische Fabrik
    Inventors: Michael Meier-Kaiser, Horst Greb
  • Patent number: 5635225
    Abstract: This invention relates to making backwindable rod shaped batts or logs from highly oriented flash-spun continuous fibers. The fibers are conducted from the exit of a spinneret through a tunnel and into a two stage diverging nozzle to slow down the fibers for an organized collection in the collection section. The invention further includes an inflatable bladder in a discharge section for initiating the formation of the log and a mesh screen in the collection section for reducing the occurrence of fiber blow out through the gas discharge ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Ashok H. Shah
  • Patent number: 5620769
    Abstract: In a molded surface fastener manufacturing method, molten resin is injected or extruded from an injection die or an extrusion nozzle, and at the same time, a coarse mesh core sheet is introduced between the extruded molten resin and the circumferential surface of a die wheel, which has a multiplicity of hook-element-forming circumferential cavities. The core sheet is forced against the circumferential surface of the die wheel by a pressing force of a press roller or under a molten resin pressure at the time of injection to pass part of the molten resin through pores of the core sheet and to fill in the hook-element-forming cavities. As a result, a multiplicity of hook elements are molded, and at the same time, the core sheet is embedded integrally in a plate-shaped substrate sheet closer to the hook-element-surface side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Roger T. Wessels, Piljae Cho
  • Patent number: 5611473
    Abstract: Apparatus for conveying continuous collapsed film includes a guidance arrangement receiving the continuous collapsed film, the guidance arrangement including at least one guide roller and at least one turning bar for guiding the film. The at least one guide roller changes the direction of the film 180 degrees, and the at least one turning bar changes the direction of the film 180 degrees. A conveyor belt travels the same speed as the film and the conveyor belt and the film loop over the one turning bar in superimposed relationship with the conveyor belt being between the at least one turning bar and the film such that the conveyor belt carries the film during the looping over the at least one turning bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Klaus Reinhold
    Inventors: Klaus Reinhold, Gerd Ratz, Jean-Jacques Labaig