Shaping Surfaces Per Se (e.g., Mandrel, Etc.) Patents (Class 425/403)
  • Patent number: 8500085
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing a composite fiber component (1) the method comprising the following method steps: forming a moulding core (4) comprising a hollow profile (15) made of segments (16a . . . d) in order to establish an external geometry of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) of the moulding core (4) each extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the moulding core (4) and are each constructed so as to be pivotable about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the moulding core (4), between a folded position (A), and an unfolded position (B) of the hollow profile (15) of the moulding core (4), wherein the segments (16a . . . d) are constructed so as to be coupled to one another via connections (18a . . . d, 19a . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Torben Jacob, Joachim Piepenbrock
  • Publication number: 20130181382
    Abstract: Use of a poly(vinyl alcohol) sheet having either i) a thickness of at least 200 ?m as a substrate having a reduced tendency to shrink back compared with the same poly(vinyl alcohol) sheet having a lesser thickness in a thermoforming process or ii) having a thickness of no more than 200 ?m as a substrate in a vacuum forming process, to produce a pocket in a mould, wherein the mould comprises at least one protrusion or depression on at least one surface and further wherein any protrusion does not extend to or above the upper surface of the mould is provided. Also provided is process of producing a rigid pocket by a thermo-forming process or a non-rigid pocket by a vacuum-forming process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Saumitra Aich, Claudia Schmaelzle, Ralf Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 8459975
    Abstract: A structural surface design device for creating a design with finishing surface material on a surface, the device having a base with raised projections on the bottom. Such projections have less of an affinity for the finishing surface material than does the surface on which such finishing surface material is to be applied. A handle extends upward from the base. And, optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the base is the same as the cross sectional shape of a container for the finishing surface material with the dimensions of the container and the base being such that the edge of the base, when the base has been inserted into the container, is sufficiently close to the wall or walls of the container that any finishing surface material in said container will not cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Ray Allen Jack Epps
  • Patent number: 8454866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of particles based on a thermoplastic polymer with a mean diameter of less than 1 mm. The process of the invention comprises more particularly a stage of preparation of a composition comprising the thermoplastic polymer and an additive, in the molten state, of cooling the composition and of disintegration of the thermoplastic polymer dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Pascal Herve, Christophe Paulo, Eric Roche, Mare Labeille, Franck Touraud
  • Publication number: 20130128535
    Abstract: A back frame of a flat panel display device includes first and second primary assembling pieces. The first primary assembling piece has an end forming at least two joint sections each of which has a structure mating an end of the second primary assembling piece to selectively joint the two primary assembling pieces. The back frame includeds a bracing piece fixed to the primary assembling pieces and forming at least two sets of mounting structures. A mold for making a back frame and bracing piece of a flat panel display device, a method for manufacturing a back frame of a flat panel display device, and a backlight system are also provide and they have a simple back frame mold to reduce cost of the back frame mold, and save material for the back frame to lower down cost of the flat panel display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co. LTD.
    Inventors: Chong Huang, Cheng-Wen Que, Yu-Chun Hsiao, Yi-Cheng Kuo
  • Patent number: 8444796
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a mold for producing hollow-cylinder-type molded parts, having an external mold portion, that determines an inner cavity of a molded part to be manufactured. The external mold portion has a first cylindrical mold, which extends in a rotationally symmetrical manner about a first axis, and a hemispherical mold having a diameter equal to a diameter of the first cylindrical mold directly adjoins one of the two ends of the cylindrical mold along the first axis, wherein a second cylindrical mold adjoins the hemispherical mold in radial alignment. The hemispherical mold has a spherical cap, the second cylindrical mold is rotatable together with the spherical cap about a second axis which is arranged at an angle with respect to the first axis, and the second cylindrical mold is arranged concentrically with respect to the second rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Matthias Starke
  • Publication number: 20130118631
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing a flat profile corrugated tube includes a supplying portion for pushing out and supplying a molten resin material in the form of a sheet, a pair of metal molds for molding a profile corrugated tube, a driving mechanism portion capable of changing postures of the pair of metal molds into receiving postures in which the metal mold surfaces are opened and can receive a sheet-formed molded body supplied from the supplying portion and molding postures in which the metal mold surfaces are closed, and changing the postures of the pair of metal molds into the molding postures after the sheet-formed molded body supplied from the supplying portion is received in the receiving postures, and an adhesion molding portion for causing the sheet-formed molded body supplied from the supplying portion to adhere to the metal mold surfaces of the pair of metal molds taking the receiving postures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Keiji Itagaki
  • Publication number: 20130113137
    Abstract: A press for thermoforming a thermoformable sheet material for obtaining at least one thermomolded object, which has a support base; a pair of female molds supported for rotation around a rotation axis on the support base, diametrically opposite with respect to the rotation axis, drive means for the pair of female molds, comprising a rotary motion source designed to drive a power drive shaft and transmission means designed to transmit the motion from the power drive shaft to the pair of female molds, whereby between power drive shaft and female mold pair there is an angular displacement ratio of an angle greater than 360°, preferably 405°/180°, in order to make the female mold pair complete a sequence of 180° angular travels, thereby angularly and sequentially move each female mold into a molding position, and into a discharge position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Giancarlo Bissoli
  • Publication number: 20130095281
    Abstract: A method of making a structured surface is disclosed. The method includes providing a thermoplastic backing with multiple rows of upstanding elements. The upstanding elements include stems with proximal ends attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal caps, and each distal cap has an overhanging portion that extends beyond the stem in a first direction. For at least some of the multiple rows, an implement is passed between two adjacent rows, wherein the implement contacts the overhanging portion of at least some of the distal caps in the two adjacent rows such that at least part of the overhanging portion is turned in a second direction, different from the first direction. A structured surface that can be prepared by the method is also provided along with a fastening laminate that includes a carrier and the structured surface and an absorbent article that includes the fastening laminate. A tool useful for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Leigh E. Wood, Timothy P. Pariseau
  • Patent number: 8419402
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a composite stringer. A method is used for manufacturing a hollow composite stringer. Foam is formed with a mandrel installed into the foam. A composite material and the foam is laid up onto a tool in a form of a stringer. The composite material and the foam in the form of the stringer is cured to form a cured stringer. The mandrel from the foam is removed to form the hollow composite stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Juan C. Guzman, Douglas A. McCarville, Daniel M. Rotter, Barry P. VanWest
  • Publication number: 20130078345
    Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing edible food articles having three dimensional shapes from raw ingredients such as moist dough involve shaping preforms in an upside-down orientation over inverted cup-shaped molds. Shaping of the preforms is assisted by gravitational forces and directional forced airflow into relatively complicated three dimensional shapes with simplified equipment and manufacturing steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy J. Bender, Michael K. Vickery, Michael D. Trowbridge, Jeffrey H. Martin, Woodrow R. Guinnip
  • Patent number: 8403016
    Abstract: A mandrel suitable for forming a hollow part from a heat curable material includes an (a) an elongate central member having a coefficient of expansion which is different than the coefficient of expansion of the cured heat curable material, (b) at least one lateral member disposed at a first location and projecting away from the outer surface of the central member, the lateral member being slidably attached to the central member, and (c) a rigid elongate strut member having a coefficient of expansion substantially similar to the coefficient of expansion of the cured heat curable material. The first end of the strut member is affixed to the lateral member, and the second end of the strut member is affixed spaced apart from the lateral member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin Snyder, Dennis Diem, Jeffrey Hynes
  • Patent number: 8394310
    Abstract: An inflatable compaction tool for consolidating a composite material inside a faceted hollow or tubular mold for a composite part is made from an elastic material. The compaction tool includes relatively flat wall segments conjoined by corner segments that define a sealed chamber. The wall segments curve away from the mold surface toward the midpoint of each wall segment, so that as a pressurized fluid is introduced into the compaction tool, a component of the force exerted on the tool interior surface is transmitted through the wall segments toward the corner segments. Thus, during initial inflation, the corner segments are forced toward the corner regions of the mold before the wall segments contact the composite material, firmly compressing the composite material into the corner regions of the mold before the friction of the wall segments against the composite material inhibits expansion of the corner segments into the mold corner regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven F. Hanson, Amitabh Vyas
  • Patent number: 8382467
    Abstract: A multiple part mandrel on which a hollow body may be formed includes multiple sectors. Each sector has a skin on an outer face and a pair of opposed side returns at longitudinal sides of the sector. The mandrel formed by the sectors is symmetrical about a central axis of the mandrel. When the sectors are assembled as the mandrel, the side returns of adjacent sectors face each other. Each of the side returns includes a recess in an outside surface of the side return, spaced from the skin of the respective sector, and an inflatable O-ring disposed in the recess. The recesses of adjacent side returns in the mandrel are offset with respect to each other in an axial direction of the mandrel. Inflation of the inflatable O-rings urges adjacent sectors together at the skins of the sectors to seal the adjacent sectors at the skins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Constructions Industrielles de la Mediterranee—CNIM
    Inventors: Dominique Micheaux, Pierre Valibouse, Philippe Marino, Denis Colombo
  • Patent number: 8366981
    Abstract: A composite structure is provided. The structure includes at least one ply of preimpregnated material formed into a curved elongated member of continuous fibers onto a mandrel. The fibers have a select orientation. The curved elongated member has a length and a cross-sectional geometry that varies along the length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon M. Benson, Jason K. Slack, Todd A. Rosevear, James L. Harvey, Mark Roman, Timothy Olschewski
  • Patent number: 8356989
    Abstract: Boeing is actively engaged in the production of lightweight composite airframes for both military and commercial applications. The double bag vacuum infusion process of the present invention provides a low cost, method for producing complex composite assemblies without an autoclave. It also enables the production of highly innovative structures. The quality of the composites produced using such an infusion process are comparable to composites made using prepregs, hand layup or fiber placement and autoclave curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John C. Waldrop, William R. Burkett, Carmine J. Sesti, Bruce Harshman, Alan F. Tegeler, Wesley P. Weinman
  • Publication number: 20130009342
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting to a support for modifying an ankle-foot orthosis. The apparatus comprises a tooling device having a plurality of holes spaced over an outer surface of the tooling device. The tooling device includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis, and a second portion integral with the first portion and having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first portion. The second portion of the tooling device defines an opening for receiving the support. A peg is configured to be inserted into one of more holes of the tooling device. The peg comprises a body portion and a post depending from the body portion and configured to be received in the holes in the outer surface of the tooling device. In one embodiment, the body portion of the peg has a convex outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Beacon Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Ninghua Yao
  • Patent number: 8348660
    Abstract: A tooling for manufacturing by stamping parts made of thermoplastic material from a blank of the material. A hollow die is delimited by a bottom, side walls and an opening opposite the bottom, and a raised punch designed to cooperate with the die via the opening. The tooling includes at least one mobile element to cooperate with at least one recess placed in the bottom and/or side walls of the die, the recess allowing the passage of one part of the blank that is to be bent using the mobile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Daher Aerospace
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Jumel
  • Patent number: 8343396
    Abstract: A pipe insulating section includes a generally cylindrical hollow phenolic foam body of substantially uniform cross section with an inner facing web and an outer facing web. The phenolic foam body is slit longitudinally to provide section halves which can be opened to facilitate wrapping around a pipe to insulate the pipe. The section halves are linked by the outer web at one side and facing ends of the section halves at the other end are faced with the inner facing web. The inner web may be of paper and the other web may be of an aluminum foil. An apparatus used in manufacturing the elongate shaped phenolic section includes an outer mold for forming the outer facing into a cylindrical shape and an inner mandrel for forming the inner facing into a cylindrical shape, which is of smaller diameter than that of the cylinder defined by the outer facing. The facings define a hollow core therebetween into which liquid foam reactants are injected through an injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Kingspan Holdings (IRL) Limited
    Inventors: John Tottey, David Anthony Oliver, Thomas McCabe
  • Publication number: 20120267811
    Abstract: A method for rapidly creating a custom mouthpiece is disclosed. The method may include providing a form defining a void sized and configured to accommodate teeth of a user. The method may also include applying a curing polymer within the void. The method may also include placing the form and the curing polymer within a mouth of the user so as to move the teeth of the user into the curing polymer to make a mold of the teeth of the user. The method may also include allowing the curing polymer to cure while in the mouth of the user, and removing the form and curing polymer from the mouth of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Mark E. Weitzman
  • Publication number: 20120263818
    Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a preform may include a mandrel to receive a preform. The mandrel may have a first mandrel end and a second mandrel end. The preform may have a first preform end and a second preform end. The apparatus may include an anchoring groove disposed at the first mandrel end, and an anchoring device being configured and located to urge the first preform end towards the anchoring groove to secure the first preform end therebetween. The apparatus may include a tensioning groove disposed between the first mandrel end and the second mandrel end, and a tensioning device being configured and located to urge at least a portion of the preform into the tensioning groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael L. GLAIN, David J. KEHRL, Andrew E. MODIN, Scott A. HARRIS, Robert A. COLEMAN, Andrew HEAD, Steven C. STENARD, Thomas R. CUNDIFF, Joo Hyun HAN, Timothy D. AQUINO
  • Patent number: 8287266
    Abstract: A preforming device and method of use thereof, the device including a rack, a pinion, belt, belt tensioning feature, and mechanism for supporting a variably appliable enhanced pressure, such as may be applied using a bladder or bladders having one or more valves, the device capable of engaging a mandrel to form at least one ply and a binder against the exterior of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: GKN Aerospace Services Structures, Corp.
    Inventor: Christopher John Feeney
  • Patent number: 8282381
    Abstract: A nanoimprint mold includes a flexible body and a molding layer formed on the flexible body. The molding layer includes a plurality of protrusions and recesses. The molding layer is a polymer material polymerized via a cross linking polymerization of a nanoimprint resist which includes a hyperbranched polyurethane oligomer (HP), a perfluoropolyether (PFPE), a methylmethacrylate (MMA), a diluent solvent and a photo initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhen-Dong Zhu, Qun-Qing Li, Li-Hui Zhang, Mo Chen
  • Patent number: 8282375
    Abstract: A device for shaping of an article of composite material. The device includes a tool including a top surface and side surface for shaping at least one blank of composite material into an article having a predetermined profile; and a air-tight foil. The device further includes at least one support arranged to be in supporting contact with the underside of the protruding part of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Mikael Petersson, Bjorn Weidmann
  • Publication number: 20120251652
    Abstract: A molding process that involves applying heat (17) to a mold billet (12) located in a mold cavity (11) defined by steel inserts (15). A layer (19) of material having a low thermal conductivity of 1-2 BTU/hour/square foot/inch/F° at 450° F. is positioned contiguously to at least one of the inserts (15) so that a portion (13) of the mold billet (12) in the vicinity of the low thermal conductivity material layer (19) remains cooler than portions of the mold billet that are remote from the layer of material (19). Also, a mold apparatus comprising a mold cavity (11) defined by steel inserts (1 5) wherein each of the inserts (15) rests on a bed (19) of low thermal conductivity material which is comprised of 38-48 weight-% calcium carbonate, 27-38 weight-% polymerized unsaturated polyester resin, and 20-30 weight-% fiberglass. The mold billet (12) may be configured in the shape of an aircraft landing system brake disc preform (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Lung E. Yen, Ken S. Lukas
  • Patent number: 8277716
    Abstract: A stiffened mandrel used in the manufacture of a composite tubular. The mandrel is placed on a filament winding machine and is comprised of an outer and inner shell. A pressure source is connected to the mandrel to exert a tensile force on the outer shell to stiffen the mandrel and thereby prevent sagging and bending of the mandrel. The stiffened mandrel allows for the manufacture of a composite tubular without undesirable flexing, wrinkling, or contamination of the uncured composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Galle, Karl A. Parfrey
  • Patent number: 8262381
    Abstract: Mastering tools and systems and methods for forming a cell on the mastering tools are provided. An exemplary method includes emitting a first laser light pulse from a laser for a first predetermined time interval such that at least a portion of the first laser light pulse forms the cell on the mastering tool. The cell has an opening size within a range of 10-100 micrometers and an aspect ratio less than or equal to 1.25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
    Inventors: Adel F. Bastawros, Grant Hay, Karkala Arun Kumar, Phil M. Peters
  • Patent number: 8257638
    Abstract: A suction table 9 is disposed at a cutting action position for a polarizing film F, and holding blocks 9a and 9b, which are different in height from each other, are disposed in proximity to each other along a transport direction on a surface of the suction table 9 to form a suction groove 14. Nip rollers 11 and 12 are disposed on front and rear sides of the suction table 9 to nip opposed ends of the polarizing film F. Further, the suction table 9 suction-holds the polarizing film F in a state that the polarizing film F is inclined with the suction groove 14 located below a portion to be cut. In this state, a laser device 10 scans the polarizing film F along the suction groove 14 to cut the polarizing film F in a width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Nitto Denko Corporation, Akebono Machine Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouta Nakai, Junpei Kozasa, Masahiro Hosoi
  • Patent number: 8226397
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a molded plastic article having a stretched and crystallized neck finish. In one embodiment, a series of platforms are carried by a conveying apparatus for transporting a series of molded plastic articles along a predetermined path of travel through one or more treatment stations. At a finish widening station, the molded article, having a relatively wide and thin-walled blow-molded body portion, and a relatively narrow and thick-walled unexpanded neck finish portion, is positioned to enable insertion of a mandrel into an open top aperture of the finish portion to widen the finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, LP
    Inventors: Keith Barker, Brian Lynch, Walter McDonald, Norbert Seitel
  • Patent number: 8215360
    Abstract: A solution to some of the problems related to manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composite panels is to provide a vacuum bag frame assembly for use in the production of fiber-reinforced composite panels, where the vacuum bag frame assembly comprises a tubular center frame, a first vacuum bag frame holding an integrated first vacuum bag and arranged for closing against a first side of the center frame, and a second vacuum bag frame holding a second integrated vacuum bag and arranged for closing against an opposite, second side of the tubular center frame. The tubular center frame is provided with a peripherally arranged vacuum outlet external relative to the space formed between the vacuum bags, and one or more vacuum apertures directed internally relative to the space formed between the first and second vacuum bags and the tubular center frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Frec Technology AS
    Inventors: Bjørn Pettersen, Pål Francis Hansen
  • Publication number: 20120152964
    Abstract: A system for processing a simplified plastic container (C) that is to be filled with a hot product includes the step of blow-molding parison to form a container body, where the container body has a neck, a base, a side surface relatively free of structural geometry that surrounds an interior of the container body and, prior to being filled with the hot product, a projection (12) extending from the container body. After the container body is filled with a hot product in a production line, the neck of the filled container body is capped with a cap and then, the container body is cooled. During the cooling operation, the hot product is contracted so that the projection extending from the container can be pushed (P) into the container body like a traditional push-up so that the resultant, filled and cooled container body is relatively free of structural geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Kelley, Kent Goss, Philip Sheets, Ted Lyon, Charles A. Ryl-Kuchar
  • Publication number: 20120139145
    Abstract: A process and a facility for manufacturing foam molded resin articles are provided which facilitate for a secondary material at least partially formed of a synthetic resin to be arranged so as to extend along a curved surface of a mold inner surface, and further to be released from the mold after molding. Circuit-shaped rails (10) are laid on the floor of a factory, and a wagon (11) is installed so as to be movable along the rails (10). The wagon (11) carries a foam molding mold (12), and a secondary material heating device (14) which contains a secondary material (13) made of a synthetic resin and can heat the secondary material (13) to a temperature not less than a temperature at which the flexural strength and the flexural modulus of the synthetic resin do not exceed predetermined values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masato Oota
  • Patent number: 8187519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a die for the production of a surface-structured coating which can be bonded to a sheet-like substrate, in particular a leather or a textile material, and which is formed by application of a liquid plastic material to the surface of the die and subsequent solidification of the plastic material, the die having a surface structure corresponding to the surface structure of the coating, wherein the surface structure of the die is produced by laser engraving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Tilman Ludecke Taeger, Elmar Kebenich, Klaus Schultze, Jens Schadebrodt
  • Patent number: 8118586
    Abstract: A portable conduit bending frame assembly has a support member, a shoe and a heating device. The support member has a first alignment end, a second alignment end, and a first conduit measuring device that extends an approximate width of the support member. The support member also has a flat conduit support surface fixed thereto, and extending substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the support member. The top surface has at least a portion of a first attachment strip located thereon. The shoe has a first alignment surface extending substantially perpendicular to a second alignment surface, an arcuate conduit bending surface extending between the first and second alignment surfaces, and a complementary attachment strip extending at least partially on a major surface of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Herbert A. Trebilcock, Salvatore Anastasi
  • Publication number: 20120009294
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a molded plastic article having a stretched and crystallized neck finish. In one embodiment, a series of platforms are carried by a conveying apparatus for transporting a series of molded plastic articles along a predetermined path of travel through one or more treatment stations. At a finish widening station, the molded article, having a relatively wide and thin-walled blow-molded body portion, and a relatively narrow and thick-walled unexpanded neck finish portion, is positioned to enable insertion of a mandrel into an open top aperture of the finish portion to widen the finish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, LP
    Inventors: Keith BARKER, Brian Lynch, Walter McDonald, Norbert Seitel
  • Publication number: 20110291325
    Abstract: A process for the production of a stiffener made of composite material that includes a central part with wings on both sides such that when the wings are resting against an element to be reinforced, the central part is separated from the element to be reinforced, with the process including producing a flat strip (16) that includes at least one layer of fibers, placing it on a mold (26) that includes at least one hollow shape that corresponds to the central part of the stiffener that is to be produced, heating the strip (16), and deforming it in such a way as to make it assume the shapes of the mold (26), characterized in that it includes exerting a transverse traction on the strip (16) during the deformation of the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
    Inventor: Denis De MATTIA
  • Patent number: 8066503
    Abstract: A composite item is fabricated in a device for infusing a layup. The device include a mandrel, vacuum cup and bagging film. The mandrel is to receive the layup. The mandrel includes a reinforcement receiving zone and a resin receiving zone substantially adjacent to the reinforcement receiving zone. The vacuum cup is in cooperative alignment with the resin receiving zone. The bagging film is to generate a gas tight envelope surrounding the reinforcement receiving zone and the resin receiving zone. The vacuum cup is sealed upon the bagging film to generate a chamber above the resin receiving zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8066504
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making a rotor blade spar from composite material wherein a multi-component mandrel is used to form the composite spar. The mandrel is made using a number of components that are assembled and held in place using a roller assembly. The roller assembly is removed after pre-cure lay up and compaction of the composite material. Once the roller assembly is removed, the remaining mandrel components can be separated from each other and easily removed from the spar. The mandrel components, including the roller assembly, can then be re-assembled and re-used to form additional composite spars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Callis, Wayne Johnston, Nate Gray, David P. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8062012
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for changing the shape of seals is provided. The apparatus includes an elastomer member that applies force onto the seal to change the size of the seal. An embodiment of the invention includes returning the seal to its original diameter by deforming the elastomer that is positioned about at least a portion of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Metaldyne, LLC
    Inventor: Greg Sabourin
  • Patent number: 7993565
    Abstract: Disclosed is a folding and shape-forming apparatus for a prepreg which includes a vacuum chamber which can generate a vacuum pressure in the inside thereof, an expanding portion disposed inside the vacuum chamber, provided with a prepreg thereon, and expanding because of the vacuum pressure inside the vacuum chamber, a heating portion disposed inside the vacuum chamber for heating the prepreg, a mandrel loaded at a portion of an upper surface of the prepreg, a first pressing portion which is brought into contact with an upper surface of the mandrel to press the mandrel, and a second pressing portion which simultaneously presses both another portion of the upper surface of the prepreg and the expanding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hak Kim, Joong Won Han, Jae Hwan Lee, Do Young Lee, Jin Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7985063
    Abstract: Molds and related methods and articles are disclosed. In certain embodiments, an exposed surface of the mold has regions with different coefficients of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Schewe, Jeffrey S. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 7972129
    Abstract: A compound mold or tooling system is designed to provide an alternative to conventional, expensive, metal molds for various plastics molding applications. The compound mold comprises a replaceable thin-walled liner, or skin-mold, defining the mold surface, temporarily bonded by vacuum means or mechanical means to a conforming backing-mold mold body supported by a rigid backing-plate. Both skin- and backing-molds are composed of suitable polymers with or without additives, fillers, reinforcements or other inclusions depending on mold requirements. The backing-plate contains standard features and fixtures common to all molds used in the particular process or of a particular geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph O'Donoghue
  • Patent number: 7909597
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for curing a composite assembly may include a base tool, a growth control apparatus, and at least one engagement filling. The base tool may have a different thermal expansion growth rate than a composite assembly to be cured using the apparatus. The growth control apparatus may have a different thermal expansion growth rate than the base tool. The engagement fitting may be movably disposed relative to the base tool and connected to the growth control apparatus. The engagement filling may hold a composite assembly being cured against the engagement filling. The growth control apparatus may grow a pre-determined amount during curing of a composite assembly to produce a cured composite assembly having a pre-determined design dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Neal A. Froeschner
  • Patent number: 7861570
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a drug eluting stent, the method comprising coupling a stent framework to a mandrel, inserting the mandrel with stent framework into an open die, the die including a forming surface including a plurality of raised indentation forming portions; closing the die against the stent framework; pressing the raised indentation portions into the stent framework to form indentation in the stent framework; and inserting at least one drug polymer into the indentation formed in the stent framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Thomas
  • Patent number: 7857610
    Abstract: A thermoforming process capable of coining and flowing material is provided, such as for making a thermoformed energy absorber for self-attachment to a vehicle bumper beam. The energy absorber includes a thermoplastic sheet with first thickness shaped by a thermoforming process to include a base and lobes configured to absorb energy. The sheet further has integrally formed attachments with solid heads formed from material flowed from adjacent areas into the attachment during the thermoforming process. Many other structures can be formed, such as ringed ridges, thinned regions, snap-attachments, hooks, living hinges, bosses, and the like. The present invention further includes an apparatus and a method for accomplishing the above, such as a heater for heating the sheet, and a die for stretching and shaping the sheet, where heated material is flowed by opposing coining die components to form selectively-shaped 3D structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: SafetyNet Energy Management, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Rossi, Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Matthew M. Gerwolls
  • Patent number: 7845932
    Abstract: A molding apparatus can include a primary mold, a stripper, and a swinging member. The swinging member can comprise a molding surface defining an undercut portion of a molded item. The swinging member can directly contact or attached to the stripper and the primary mold. To facilitate removal of a molded item, the swinging member can withdraw through a hole in the primary mold as a direct result of a motion of the stripper to pull the molded item off the primary mold. The molded item can then be easily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: PWP Industries
    Inventors: Dean Brown, Terry Vovan
  • Patent number: 7833451
    Abstract: In a mold, at least a first half includes an insert member forming a cavity surface on one end side; a body member having an insertion part into which the insert member is inserted; and an insert member fixer interposed between the insert member and the insertion part, for holding the insert member. The insert member fixer is made of a shape memory alloy, and presses and holds the insert member when the insert member fixer restores its memorized shape, to make a center axis alignment of the insert member with respect to the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Noriko Eiha, Seiichi Watanabe, Yasuhito Hiraki
  • Publication number: 20100280498
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a catheter for medical purposes, such as for insertion into a body opening for draining fluids, wherein the catheter comprises a flexible tube having a distal end region wherein the tube is provided with at least one draining opening, characterised in that the peripheral edge on the outside of the tube is provided with a curvature for creating a smooth transition between the exterior surface of the tube and the substantially radially oriented cut constituting the opening side and wherein said curvature is a rounded edge with a curvature radius between 0.2-0.6 mm. The invention further concerns a method of making such catheter and an apparatus for performing this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Jan Kent Olsen
  • Patent number: 7824171
    Abstract: An inflatable compaction tool for consolidating a composite material inside a faceted hollow or tubular mold for a composite part is made from an elastic material. The compaction tool includes relatively flat wall segments conjoined by corner segments that define a sealed chamber. The wall segments curve away from the mold surface toward the midpoint of each wall segment, so that as a pressurized fluid is introduced into the compaction tool, a component of the force exerted on the tool interior surface is transmitted through the wall segments toward the corner segments. Thus, during initial inflation, the corner segments are forced toward the corner regions of the mold before the wall segments contact the composite material, firmly compressing the composite material into the corner regions of the mold before the friction of the wall segments against the composite material inhibits expansion of the corner segments into the mold corner regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven F. Hanson, Amitabh Vyas
  • Patent number: 7820092
    Abstract: Methods of forming an elongated composite structural member are provided. One method includes, providing a substantially elongated mandrel having an exterior surface exhibiting a desired geometry. Laying up a first ply of preimpregnated fiber reinforced material over the mandrel. Applying a force to the first ply to establish a desired amount of tension within the first ply and then pressing the first ply onto the mandrel in a conformal manner. This includes passing at least one roller over the mandrel and the first ply while maintaining the desired amount of tension within the first ply. The at least one roller is at least partially complementary in shape with the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon M. Benson, Jason K. Slack, Todd A. Rosevear, James L. Harvey, Mark Roman, Timothy Olschewski