In Or On Work Confining Surface Patents (Class 425/446)
  • Patent number: 7367794
    Abstract: In a cooling roller which cools a molten resin strip discharged from a die, a temperature of a place where a resin comes into contact with the cooling roller, and that of a place where the resin is detached from the cooling roller are individually controlled. The cooling roller comprises: a non-rotatably disposed inner cylinder 11; a rotatable outer cylinder 3 disposed coaxially with the inner cylinder 11; an annular medium channel 13 formed by an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 11 and an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 3; a plurality of small medium channels 73, 75 divided from the medium channel 13 by a plurality of partition members 69, 71; a plurality of medium inflow ports 77, 79 disposed in a wall portion of the inner cylinder along an axis of the inner cylinder 11 so as to communicate with the respective small medium channels 73, 75; and a plurality of slit-like medium outflow ports 81, 83.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayoshi Sano
  • Patent number: 7354541
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a unit for manufacturing felts (6) which are formed from crosslinked mineral fibers, comprising at least one pair of conveyors formed by a lower conveyor (11) and an upper conveyor (12) which are placed opposite each other and intended to compress said felt (6) in at least one direction, a means (13) for heat treating the felt (6) after it has passed through the conveyors (11, 12) comprising at least one means (14) placed between the conveyors (11, 12) and the heat treatment means (13), intended to prevent decompression of the felt (6) in this region, said means comprising at least one cam (14) having a profile suitable for keeping a constant and minimum distance between the conveyors (11, 12) and the heat treatment means (13), and in that at least one of the conveyors is rigidly connected to one element of the heat treatment means (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Isover
    Inventors: Francois Bouquet, Yannick Blandin, Alain Debouzie
  • Patent number: 7220112
    Abstract: A printing system including a least two printheads, a first one of the printheads printing a first material and a second one of the printheads printing a second material, the first material being cured by a first method and the second material being cured by a second method and wherein the first and second methods are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7163583
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently and uniformly treating articles with two or more fluids without transferring the articles from one container to another container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Allen Gilliard, Robert Allen Janssen
  • Patent number: 7150623
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for preserving the potency of a tableted heat sensitive ingredient. The process includes the steps of forming the ingredient into a tablet and cooling the tablet for a sufficient time and at a sufficiently low temperature to decrease the heat degradation of the ingredient. The process may be carried out in any number of tablet cooling apparatus, including a conduit forming a passageway for receiving tablets from the tablet press. A coolant inlet is connected to the conduit for supplying coolant into the passageway and into contact with the tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Nutraceurix, Inc
    Inventors: Stephen J. Turner, Steven K. Kazemi, Tanya M. Borek, Jeffrey S. White
  • Patent number: 7128851
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for repairing and removing scratches from an optically-read disc, e. g., compact discs (often called “CD's” or “DVD's” such that when refurbished, an optical reader, which uses a laser to read digital information stored on the disc, can read the digital information on the disc without the optical distortion caused by a scratch and like surface imperfection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Julius J. Nowak
  • Patent number: 7114943
    Abstract: A post processing apparatus for automated removal of support material from a three-dimensional objected formed from a build material by selective deposition modeling is provided. The apparatus includes a heated main chamber into which is placed the three-dimensional object with the support material attached and first and second liquid heat transfer medium storage reservoirs. The storage reservoirs reversibly provide liquid heat transfer medium to the main chamber to immerse the three-dimensional object and the attached support material for desired periods of time to meltingly separate the support material from the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Jody Fong, Raymond M. Soliz
  • Patent number: 6981862
    Abstract: A slush molding machine having a tool with an outer surface includes a powder assembly. The powder assembly has a powder reservoir and a first lift. The first lift includes a first frame and a cylinder. The powder reservoir is mounted on the first frame. One end of the cylinder is attached to the frame, allowing the frame to be raised and lowered. The slush molding machine also includes a cooling assembly. The cooling assembly has a coolant reservoir and a second lift. The second lift has a second frame and a second cylinder. The coolant reservoir is attached to the second frame. The second cylinder is also attached to the frame. When the second cylinder is actuated, the second frame is raised and lowered as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Technical Center USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Janine R. Bond, Juhan Kim
  • Patent number: 6951453
    Abstract: An injection-molding machine cooling tube, which cools molded plastic parts, includes a porous cooling tube having an outer surface and an inner surface. Preferably, the porous cooling tube has a porosity in the range of 3-20 microns. A cooling fluid passageway is preferably disposed adjacent the porous cooling tube outer surface and is configured to carry a cooling fluid to extract heat from the porous cooling tube. Fluid flow structure, preferably a vacuum, is configured to cause a molded plastic part inside the porous cooling tube to expand into contact with at least a portion of the inner surface of the porous cooling tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Witold Neter, Joachim Johannes Niewels, Richard Matthias Unterlander, Tomasz Uracz, Zbigniew Romanski
  • Patent number: 6908587
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for post-cure correction (PCC), either partial or substantial, of various tire nonuniformities which have been detected during a tire manufacturing process by a tire uniformity machine (TUM), preferably testing a tire which has been nominally cooled down (i.e., nominally completed curing) after removal from a tire curing mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
    Inventors: David John Balter, Michael Alois Kolowski, Anthony J. Scarpitti
  • Patent number: 6814565
    Abstract: A flexible or semi-rigid support fixture is sized and shaped to supportably engage a surface of a polymeric matrix object such as an organic bonded abrasive grinding wheel. The support fixture is utilized to support the object to help prevent slumping and/or expansion during thermal curing operations. The fixture is fabricated from a material, such as silicone rubber, that is capable of withstanding heat commonly associated with thermal curing operations and which provides sufficient resilience to permit use with objects manufactured within a relatively wide range of dimensional tolerances. Suitable materials include silicone rubber or other polymers or copolymers such as PTFE, FEP, Polyimide or blends with or without fillers or substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Saint-Cobain Abrasives Technology Company
    Inventor: Paul W. Kalinowski
  • Patent number: 6814563
    Abstract: The invention refers to a plant and a holding device in connection with heat treatment of articles (3), which is at least partly manufactured in a thermosetting composite material. The holding device, which is comprised by the plant, includes a base element (1), and intermediate element (2), which rests on the base element (1), and at least a support member (4), which is fixable to the intermediate element (2) and arranged to support said article (3) on the intermediate element during the heat treatment. The intermediate element (2) is manufactured in a material which has a neglectable thermal extension at least up to a temperature level, at which the heat treatment is intended to take place. Furthermore, the intermediate element (2) is displaceably positioned on the base element (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Roger Amnered, Jan Andersson, Torbjörn Bergehed, Per Eliasson, Jan-Ole Karlsson, Johnny Karlsson, Sverker Schultz, Bo Tolf, Ingemar Turesson, Anders Westerdahl
  • Patent number: 6802705
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus and method for the post mold cooling of injection molded articles where an exterior portion of the article is exposed to a cooling atmosphere separately from any other cooling of the article. More particularly, the external surface of a neck finish portion of a preform is cooled by way of a cooling fluid stream which is specifically directed at the external surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Tiemo D. Brand, Jacob Rebel
  • Patent number: 6797219
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing tiles for use in a raised floor system is disclosed. The tiles comprise an outer shell and an inner core material. The method includes constructing the shells at a manufacturing facility, transporting the shells to a remote location associated with a job site, and filling the shells with a fill material at the remote location. A method is also disclosed for providing a rack to hold the tiles during the manufacturing process, stacking shells in a vertical orientation on the rack, and filling the shells with a core material while on the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Vander Wal, Richard A. Kroko, John C. Duba, Jr., Kenneth J. Knister, David J. Levitt
  • Patent number: 6737007
    Abstract: An injection-molding machine cooling tube, which cools molded plastic parts, includes a porous cooling tube having an outer surface and an inner surface. Preferably, the porous cooling tube has a porosity in the range of 3-20 microns. A cooling fluid passageway is preferably disposed adjacent the porous cooling tube outer surface and is configured to carry a cooling fluid to extract heat from the porous cooling tube. Fluid flow structure, preferably a vacuum, is configured to cause a molded plastic part inside the porous cooling tube to expand into contact with at least a portion of the inner surface of the porous cooling tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems, LTD
    Inventors: Witold Neter, Joachim Johannes Niewels, Richard Matthias Unterlander, Tomasz Uracz, Zbigniew Romanski
  • Publication number: 20040065980
    Abstract: A method of producing a molded article including the step of inserting an expandable and contractible hollow elastic pressing member (2) inside a hollow molded article placed in a drying mold (8) and feeding a fluid in the elastic pressing member (2) to expand the pressing member (2) thereby to press the molded article toward the inner surface of the drying mold (8), wherein the molded article is pressed onto the inner surface of the drying mold (8) by the elastic member (2) in the expanded state while exchanging the fluid in the elastic pressing member (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Masayuki Osaki
  • Publication number: 20040051205
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a unit for manufacturing felts (6) which are formed from crosslinked mineral fibers, comprising at least one pair of conveyors formed by a lower conveyor (11) and an upper conveyor (12) which are placed opposite each other and intended to compress said felt (6) in at least one direction, a means (13) for heat treating the felt (6) after it has passed through the conveyors (11, 12) comprising at least one means (14) placed between the conveyors (11, 12) and the heat treatment means (13), intended to prevent decompression of the felt (6) in this region, said means comprising at least one cam (14) having a profile suitable for keeping a constant and minimum distance between the conveyors (11, 12) and the heat treatment means (13), and in that at least one of the conveyors is rigidly connected to one element of the heat treatment means (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Francois Bouquet, Yannick Blandin, Alain Debouzie
  • Patent number: 6695988
    Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and method for hydrating or washing ophthalmic devices, comprising the step of directing to an ophthalmic device having a higher concentration of impurities fluid which has previously been directed to ophthalmic device having a lower concentration of impurities. Further, this invention provides a preferred device supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Schlagel, Michael F. Widman
  • Patent number: 6689304
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for improving a concentricity of a pneumatic vehicle tire having a bead. The process includes subjecting at least a portion of the bead, after vulcanization, to a plastic deformation post-treatment. The post-treatment improves the concentricity of the tire. The apparatus includes a drum having a surface which engages a radially inner bead seat surface of the tire. The drum includes at least one of an internal heating mechanism and an internal cooling mechanism. The drum is adapted to plastically deform at least a portion of the bead of the tire so as to affect at least one of a first, a second, and a third harmonic. The plastic deformation improves the concentricity of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Günter Homt, Michael Glinz, Horst Sergel
  • Patent number: 6627220
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for preserving the potency of a tableted heat sensitive ingredient. The process includes the steps of forming the ingredient into a tablet and cooling the tablet for a sufficient time and at a sufficiently low temperature to decrease the heat degradation of the ingredient. The process may be carried out in any number of tablet cooling apparatus, including a conduit forming a passageway for receiving tablets from the tablet press. A coolant inlet is connected to the conduit for supplying coolant into the passageway and into contact with the tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Scolr, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Turner, Steven K. Kazemi, Tanya M. Borek, Jeffrey S. White
  • Patent number: 6613253
    Abstract: A decurl apparatus includes a heating device to heat an image recording carrier web at a constant temperature, which exceeds the glass transition temperature of a support for a constant time period; and a cooling device for subsequent cooling of the image recording carrier web to a temperature equal to or lower than the glass transition temperature, while the image recording carrier web maintains a predetermined shape. The heating device includes an induction-heated heating roller and holding rollers arranged at arbitrary angular positions with respect to the outer circumference of the heating roller. As a result, the image recording carrier web is reliably decurled by a simple construction without being influenced by a transfer velocity or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Negishi, Takayoshi Oyamada
  • Publication number: 20030160348
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing extruded, cellulosic continuous shaped bodies from an extrusion solution containing cellulose, water and tertiary amino-oxide. In order to improve the textile properties of the extruded continuous shaped bodies with regard to the prior art, the invention provides that the continuous shaped body (5) is conveyed, with essentially no tensile stress, on a conveying device (11) between an extrusion nozzle opening and a take-off unit (24). To this end, the speed of conveyance of the interconnected conveying device (11) is preferably less than the extrusion rate and less than the take-off rate of the take-off unit (24). By employing these measures, the textile properties such as loop strength and tendency to fibrillate can be considerably improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Stefan Zikeli, Friedrich Ecker
  • Patent number: 6574992
    Abstract: During a process for bending and quenching a window pane, the latter is bent to the desired shape using a forming frame. Next, by means of this same forming frame, the entire surface of both sides of the bent window pane is rapidly cooled, in a quenching station which follows the bending station, by blowing cold air using blowing boxes provided with blowing nozzles. While the entire surface is being rapidly cooled, the edge regions of the window pane which rest on the forming frame are subjected to a blast of additional cold air by the suitable supply of compressed air to the openings passing through the forming frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Hans-Werner Kuster, Werner Diederen, Knut Dahlhoff, Karl-Josef Ollfisch, Wilfried Korsten
  • Publication number: 20030096032
    Abstract: A system for making aerated concrete blocks produces such blocks having at least one passageway therein. The system may comprise a molding station for receiving materials for making aerated concrete and for allowing the materials to rise and stiffen into a body, a dividing station downstream from the molding station for dividing the body into an array of blocks, and a curing station downstream from the dividing station for curing the array of blocks. Moreover, the manufacturing system also preferably includes a drilling station downstream from the curing station to drill the at least one passageway extending through each of the blocks. The passageways provide easier grasping by the mason, reduce the weight without significantly compromising strength, and may be aligned in a wall during construction at a building site to facilitate the placement of vertical reinforcing members in the wall. The drilling station may drill a plurality of spaced apart passageways through each block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Consolidated Minerals, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Browne Gregg
  • Publication number: 20030057598
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus and method for the post mold cooling of injection molded articles where an exterior portion of the article is exposed to a cooling atmosphere separately from any other cooling of the article. More particularly, the external surface of a neck finish portion of a preform is cooled by means of a cooling fluid stream which is specifically directed at the external surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Tiemo D. Brand, Jacob Rebel
  • Publication number: 20030057600
    Abstract: A device and a method for thermal treatment at a casting process, wherein objects (14,20) are formed in a casting machine (50), which comprises a divisible forming tool (10,11) with a casting space (40) enclosed therein, designed to be filled by a liquid casting material (30). The device comprises a treatment tool (1,21) comprising at least one treatment surface (3) arranged to, in its form, at least partially be similar to the casting space (40), and a treatment tool (1,21) comprises means (7) arranged to connect an object (14,20) formed in a casting space (40) to the treatment tool (1,21), and that the device is arranged to carry out thermal treatment of said object (14,20) outside the casting machine (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Mikael Wennberg
  • Patent number: 6471906
    Abstract: The invention describes a low tension relax process and corresponding apparatus, wherein a tension gate is incorporated into a relax zone in a yarn production process. The tension gate can be anything that produces a drag on the yarn threadline such as an air drag device, a liquid drag device, or a solid surface contact drag device, or a combination of these. A tension gate is a device which when used in a relax zone has an outlet yarn tension greater than the inlet yarn tension thus creating a tension differential. The tension gate provides a tension differential of at least 5 mg per denier. A relax zone is typical found in a spin-drawing process, a draw-twisting process, a draw-winding process, or a draw-bulking process. The invention describes a yarn making process with a tension gate in the relax zone wherein the tension gate creates a tension differential on said yarn of at least 5 milligrams per denier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Arteva North America S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Mach A. DeBenedictis, Virgil J. Adkins, Winston A. Phelps
  • Publication number: 20020140120
    Abstract: A method of treating a disc plate. has the following operations of: molding a mold disc plate through an injection molding; and spinning the mold disc plate at a high spin speed. The spinning operation has at least one of the following two sub-operations of: reducing a warp of the mold disc plate with a centrifugal force caused during the spinning operation, and reducing a temperature of the mold disc plate during the spinning operation. Moreover, an apparatus of treating a disc plate has: a conveyer for conveying a mold disc plate obtained through an injection molding; a disc bench for receiving the mold disc plate conveyed with the conveyer; and a spin driver for spinning the disc bench when a temperature of the mold disc plate is higher than 90° C., to thereby spin the mold disc plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Origin Electric Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takayuki Suzuki, Masahiro Nakamura, Hideo Kobayashi, Shinichi Shinohara
  • Patent number: 6454556
    Abstract: A vacuum and pressure tight cooling or ventilating device, specifically designed for thermoforming stations, comprises a shutter element for opening and closing respectively the cooling and ventilating device, the shutter element being mounted on an air inlet section of the ventilating device which, in turn, is completely arranged outside of its related thermoforming station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: GAM Impianti S.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio De Nichilo
  • Patent number: 6395211
    Abstract: A calender for treatment of a web of a nonwoven textile V made of thermoplastic fibers. The calendar includes a heated embossing roller made of steel and a counter-roller that runs at the same circumference velocity. The local plastification in the nonwoven textile V that is produced at the locations of the raised embossing areas results in a board-like feel of the nonwoven textile V. To reduce this hardness, the web of the nonwoven textile V is broken, after having cooled at least partially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Eduard Kusters Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Dettmer, Achim Wandke, Vladimir Tocaj
  • Patent number: 6371749
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tentering nonwoven webs during annealing. The nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers is restrained on a tentering structure at a plurality of tentering points distributed across an interior portion of the web, rather than just along its edges. The nonwoven web is annealed while restrained on the tentering structure to form a dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous web, dimensionally stable up to at least the heatsetting temperature. The annealed nonwoven fibrous web is then removed from the tentering structure. In one embodiment, the tentering structure restrains the nonwoven fibrous web in a non-planar configuration during the annealing process. The tentering structure includes a plurality of tentering points projecting distally from a tentering support. The tentering points are positioned to be engaged with an interior portion of the web, thus restraining the web during annealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Delton R. Thompson, David A. Olson, Pamela A. Percha
  • Publication number: 20020041046
    Abstract: At least one container is disposed in contact with at least one mandrel to cause a thermoplastic polymeric film on the container to foam and become a heat insulative layer. The mandrel is heatable to a predetermined temperature and the container is in direct contact therewith or disposed thereon for a predetermined period of time, to thereby cause the foamable material on the container to foam. A method of making a web of heat insulative nonwoven material includes providing a web of nonwoven material, applying a layer of thermoplastic polymeric material to a first surface of the web to form a web laminate, placing the web laminate in contact with a heated surface, heating the web laminate and thereby expanding the layer of thermoplastic material with moisture that is vaporized from the nonwoven material. The web laminate may then be fabricated to form a container or a portion of a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Hartjes, Michael A. Breining, Debra D. Bowers, Daniel J. Geddes, Patrick L. Maynard, Louann S. Mueller, Robert Patterson, Kathleen R. Rigotti, Rebecca E. Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6368541
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating an implantable prosthesis for repairing a defect in a muscle and tissue wall, the prosthesis having a first surface which is convex and a second surface which is concave. The method includes steps of providing a first template having a predetermined concave shape; providing a second template having a predetermined convex shape; placing a piece of implantable flexible mesh between the first and second templates; heating the mesh to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined length of time so that the mesh retains the predetermined shape; and removing the mesh from between the first and second templates. In another aspect, a package is provided for storing a resilient, preformed implantable prosthesis having a first surface with a concave shape and a second surface with a convex shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Docteur Philippe Pajotin, John W. Coddaire, Fred D. Herzog
  • 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: 20020036747
    Abstract: A plastic optical element producing method produces a plastic optical element by an ejection molding, and includes the step of cooling an optical surface of the plastic optical element with priority in a state where a temperature of the plastic optical element is within a predetermined temperature range which is less than or equal to a glass transition temperature of the resin material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Yasuo Yamanaka, Jun Watanabe, Kiyotaka Sawada
  • Patent number: 6352657
    Abstract: A continuous process is used to make concrete building products with an expanded polystyrene core. The expanded polystyrene is fed into the inlet of an elongated guiding channel which has a longitudinally split mold. The expanded polystyrene is guided along the guiding channel without any means for pulling the expanded polystyrene. Concrete is then pumped into the split mold first through an first aperture in a first mold section of the split mold and then through another aperture, in a second mold section of the split mold, so that the concrete is coated on at least two opposing sides of the expanded polystyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: 888804 Ontario Limited
    Inventors: Robert Veldhuis, Lubo Krizik
  • Publication number: 20020006453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool, and method of is use, that puts a pair of bevels onto an edge of a printed circuit board (PCB) so that the PCB can be inserted into an expansion slot of a computer. The tool has a bevel wheel, preferably with a bilaterally symmetrical angle channel shape, that is connected to a carriage. The bevel wheel rolls along the carriage while the bevel wheel is pressed onto the edge of the PCB so as to form the pair of bevels on the edge of the PCB. No material is removed from the PCB while forming the pair of bevels. The bevel wheel is forced upon the edge using a piston that monitors and regulates the pressure applied to the edge of the PCB in order to achieve a preferred height and angular orientation of the pair of bevels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Refugio C. Morales
  • Publication number: 20010055631
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tentering nonwoven webs during annealing. The nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers is restrained on a tentering structure at a plurality of tentering points distributed across an interior portion of the web, rather than just along its edges. The nonwoven web is annealed while restrained on the tentering structure to form a dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous web, dimensionally stable up to at least the heatsetting temperature. The annealed nonwoven fibrous web is then removed from the tentering structure. In one embodiment, the tentering structure restrains the nonwoven fibrous web in a non-planar configuration during the annealing process. The tentering structure includes a plurality of tentering points projecting distally from a tentering support. The tentering points are positioned to be engaged with an interior portion of the web, thus restraining the web during annealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: DELLON R. THOMPSON, DAVID A. OLSON, PAMELA PERCHA
  • Patent number: 6332770
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing targeted cooling to a pre-molded article, such as a preform. A cooling pin is inserted into the preform such that it makes contact with targeted area, such as the mold gate area. This permits conductive cooling of the targeted area. The apparatus and method are particularly suited to post-mold cooling in conjunction with a robotic take-out plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Faisal Oueslati, Tiemo Brand, Witold Neter
  • Patent number: 6318989
    Abstract: A distribution platen, for use in a fiberboard press, having a molding cavity and including a steam injection conduit providing fluid communication into the molding cavity from a remote supply of steam. The distribution platen further includes steam venting conduit which provides fluid communication from the molding cavity to a remote location. The press platen allows for the continuous flow of steam into the molding cavity through the dedicated steam injection conduit, and the continuous flow of steam and moisture from the molding cavity through the dedicated venting conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Bonomo, Pete Walsh, Kelly Seifert, Alex Vergara, Michelle Merrell
  • Patent number: 6303171
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing thin pieces of chocolate, in particular slices of chocolate, whereby the chocolate is melted and is provided in the shape of flat, thin pieces of chocolate, which are put one after the other, on at least one endless, flexible conveyor belt of a conveying device, whereby the conveyor belt is subsequently bent crosswise so that it forms a trough before the pieces have stiffened, and the conveyor belt is kept in this bent position until the pieces lying in the trough and which are bent along with the conveyor belt have sufficiently stiffened so as to keep their bent shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: Jan Van Dyck, Kris Van Dyck
  • Patent number: 6277309
    Abstract: A process and device for resurfacing damaged compact discs by melting a thin layer of the optical surface of said compact disc so that it reflows and fills any scratches or other imperfections. The result is a smooth and optically transparent surface equivalent to the condition of a new compact disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Vest Campbell
  • Publication number: 20010005063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an innovative cooling pin for cooling molded articles, a system which incorporates same, and a method for cooling a molded article which utilizes the cooling pin. The cooling pin of the present invention has a central pin structure with a head portion, a cooling fluid channel within the central pin structure terminating in an outlet in the head portion, and a plurality of fins positioned along the length of the central pin structure. Adjacent ones of the fins are preferably separated by a spacer. Each of the fins is preferably formed from a flexible material such as a flexible plastic material. The fins force and maintain cooling fluid introduced into the interior of the molded article in close proximity to the interior surfaces of the molded article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Witold Neter
  • Patent number: 6207086
    Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and method for hydrating or washing ophthalmic devices, comprising the step of directing to an ophthalmic device having a higher concentration of impurities fluid which has previously been directed to ophthalmic device having a lower concentration of impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Schlagel, Darren S. Keene, Ture Kindt-Larsen, Wallace Anthony Martin
  • Patent number: 6206673
    Abstract: System for making a plastic lens. Mold members are spaced apart to define a mold cavity. Ultraviolet light is directed against at least one of the mold members to cure a composition and form a substantially clear eyeglass lens in less than one hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ophthalmic Research Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: N. Thornton Lipscomb, Omar M. Buazza
  • Patent number: 6183236
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrating is provided for hydrating a lens and extracting residual materials from the lens. The apparatus includes a shaft; multiple arms extending radially from a lower end of the shaft about a central axis in a star-shaped pattern, each arm including a fin extending therebelow such that multiple fins also extend radially with respect to said central axis, wherein the fins including lower outer edges that converge and form a nozzle face. A fluid transport passage extends through the shaft and terminates at an opening in the nozzle face, whereby fluid can be evacuated from the lens through this passage. Preferably, at least one recessed channel is formed in the nozzle face where the fins converge, wherein each of these channels extends from the opening in the nozzle face that forms a terminus of the fluid transport passage to a space between two adjacent fins. The lower outer edges of the fins have an arcuate surface, the arcuate surfaces forming a convex-shaped nozzle face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael A. Lesczynski, Kevin D. Beebe
  • Patent number: 6174486
    Abstract: A method of heat-setting garments by boarding the garment and subjecting it to preselected temperatures that are different for different parts of the garment and an apparatus for carrying out this method are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: DuPont Toray Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tateo Jin-Ya, Hirofumi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6054089
    Abstract: A method of forming a plastic product comprises extruding molten plastic into a mold having a mold wall with product shaping interior face. After shaping the product in the mold, the method includes introducing gas via a gas inlet through the mold wall onto the product to cool both the product and the mold and then discharging the gas from the mold at a location remote from the gas inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Manfred A. A. Lupke, Stefan A. Lupke
  • Patent number: 6019152
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing the heating efficiency of a nonwoven web using heated air are provided. A flow modifier including a turbulence inducing bar arrangement is positioned between the heated air supply and the nonwoven web. The flow modifier increases the turbulence of the heated air before it contacts the nonwoven web, resulting in more thorough penetration of the web by the air, and better convective heat transfer between the heated air and the nonwoven web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan David Haynes, Jark C. Lau, Lee Cullen Boney, Robert James Baldy
  • Patent number: 5945140
    Abstract: A molding system includes a bottom die having a bottom blind hole, an upper die controlled to mold a molding with the bottom die, and a water circulation system connected to the bottom die at a bottom side and having a T-hole disposed in communication with the blind hole on the bottom die for circulation of cooling water to cool down the bottom die and the molding molded in between the bottom die and the upper die, a leakage sealing device mounted between the water circulation system and the bottom die to seal the gap and to divide the T-hole into a water inlet and a water outlet, and a spiral water guide mounted on the bottom die and pressed against the leakage sealing device, the spiral water guide defining a spiral water circulation passage in the blind hole in bottom die for guiding cooling water from the water inlet to the water outlet through the blind hole in a spiral manner to evenly and quickly cool down the bottom die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Chih-Miao Lin