Rubber Mold Patents (Class 425/DIG44)
  • Patent number: 5190773
    Abstract: A composite mold that facilitates the fabrication, in a single curing step, of composite articles having opposing sets of stiffening members disposed in combination with a main structural panel. The composite mold provides for simultaneous co-curing of the opposed stiffening members in combination with the main structural panel. The composite mold includes a rigid mold assembly and a "T" mold assembly, which, in combination, define a rigid lay-up surface for the prepreg laminates forming the main structural panel. The rigid mold assembly includes rigid members that act as reactive surfaces for cure pressures, and removable end and wedge members for assembling/disassembling of the rigid mold assembly, "T" mold assembly combination. The "T" mold assembly is operative during the cure process to generate the pressure required to cure the legs of one set of the stiffening members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher J. Damon
  • Patent number: 5154937
    Abstract: An elastic forming die with an aperture section through which a molding material is charged, including a main mold section in membrane form which acts as a female mold for the molded product; a conical section in membrane form which is connected to the aperture section and expands outwardly in the shape of a cone; and an aperture roll section provided at the outer peripheral edge of the cone section, and a method for manufacturing this elastic forming die. Because the elastic forming die is provided with the conical section which is connected to the aperture section and expands outwardly, the release of the molded product from the mold is extremely easy and the elastic forming die can be used to manufacture molded products such as chocolate, jelly, and the like. The molding method using the elastic forming die features the release of the molded product utilizing said cone section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignees: Okamoto Industries, Fujino Syouko Co., Ltd., Toshiya Fujishima
    Inventor: Toshiya Fujishima
  • Patent number: 5136860
    Abstract: In order to be able to operate chambers for the continuous fluid treatment of textile yarns and which comprise several chamber parts with an improved sealing effect, even at elevated pressures and temperatures when aggressive fluids are used, one or both sealing faces of superimposed sealing face pairs undergo shape correction. The shape correction opposes the elastic deformation undergone by the sealing faces when loaded under operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Rieter Machine Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Felix Graf
  • Patent number: 5135041
    Abstract: Multi-mold centrifugal casting system comprising basically conventional centrifugal casting apparatus except that instead of receiving a single mold, i.e., one pair of mold halves, a plurality of molds are mounted in the apparatus in stacked relation, with all mold halves having central openings to define a plurality of ring-like molds. A manifold member is positioned in the center of the stacked ring-like molds for receiving and simultaneously feeding molten metal to each of the stacked molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Conley Casting Supply Corp.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Goss
  • Patent number: 5106289
    Abstract: A transparent elastomeric mold 30 capable of precisely reconstituting the buffer coating surrounding an optical fiber 54. The inventive elastomeric mold 30 is disposed to shape a buffer coating applied to an optical fiber in accordance with the dimensions of a master fiber 32. The mold 30 includes an elastomeric slab 38 for substantially confining the buffer coating within a channel 48 having a cross-sectional dimension substantially identical to that of the master fiber 32. The slab 38 includes an inner surface 50 which defines the channel 48 along a longitudinal axis L. The inventive mold 30 may also include an arrangement of arm members 34, 36 for flexing the elastomeric slab 38 in order to open the channel along the longitudinal axis L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Joseph L. Pikulski
  • Patent number: 5092023
    Abstract: A process for the production of, in particular, ceramic parts having a cavity by press molding or pressing sealed sheaths.The core used for defining the cavity and preventing subsequent machining operations is initially more voluminous than the desired cavity and has an adequate ductility to allow partial extrusion during pressing. This avoids often excessive mechanical stresses, which can lead to a bursting or shattering of the densified part when the sheath is removed. This process has, application to the hot isostatic pressing of fragile materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Marcel Boncoeur, Frederic Valin
  • Patent number: 5090885
    Abstract: A plunger (10) for supporting a wall (46) of e.g. a refrigerator door against deformation from an expanding, and hardening foamed plastic (52) on the other side of the wall. An evacuated bag-formed part (18) filled with a particulate material (20), has a surface (42) showing an impression of the form of the wall (46). The plunger (10) is reshapable, so that it can serve as a plunger for walls (46) of different forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Ann C. Stalin
  • Patent number: 5087193
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for the formation of a three dimensional composite article by use of a flexible male mold placeable within a cavity formed within a rigid female mold. Fibers are initially bound to the surface of the flexible male mold and the mold is thereafter placed inside the female mold cavity. The surface of the flexible male mold is thereafter displaced away from the female mold by the injection of hardenable resin between the molds. The flexible surface is thereafter returned to near its original position adjacent the female mold. The flexible mold includes a chamber defined therein capable of pressurization and depressurization during the fabrication process of the composite article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Herbert, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5080854
    Abstract: A method of die forming using an elastically deformable die is characterized by using a die provided in advance with a prescribed pattern of thickness variation, allowing the die to be elastically deformed by the pressure it receives from the material being formed during the forming operation, and forming the material to the configuration resulting from the deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Ministry of International Trade & Industry
    Inventors: Masahito Katoh, Kenichi Hibino
  • Patent number: 5067887
    Abstract: A system for recovering hot-melt materials for reuse in a glue gun includes a flexible mold form mounted in a carrier and having an internal cavity that approximates the dimensions of the preformed hot-melt sticks. In order to change from one type hot-melt material to another, the sticks of the desired material are loaded into the gun while the heated, hot-melt material in the gun is discharged into the mold form. The hot-melt material flows into the mold form and assumes the shape of a conventional preformed stick. After cooling and solidification of the material, the mold form is removed from its carrier and the cooled, cast stick is removed from the mold form for reuse. The mold form is fabricated from a flexible, heat-resistant material, such as a silicone rubber, and includes an elongated tubular portion having a tapered exterior to facilitate removal from its carrier and an internal bore dimensioned to produce a cast stick having the dimensions of the preformed stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Howard D. Speer, Robert A. Shortt
  • Patent number: 5057258
    Abstract: Segments of tire tread are utilized as patterning elements to produce elastomeric form liners useful for creating designs on poured concrete structures. The segments of tire tread are arranged in the interior of an open-faced mold box, and liquified elastomeric material is poured into the mold box and allowed to solidify. An elastomeric form is then separated from the mold box. This form may be used itself as a form liner, but is preferably used as a mold to produce further generations of forms and form liners. The form liners are used to line the interior of a concrete form, and the tread patterns are thereby imparted to the surface of the resulting concrete structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: Vicki B. Scuri
  • Patent number: 5013228
    Abstract: A mould for an injection moulding apparatus, the mould including at least two mould parts which mate to form the mould cavity and which separate to permit removal of the moulded article, each mould part including a relatively rigid body having an abutment face which abuts with an abutment face of the other mould part when said parts mate, the body of at least one mould part including a recess in its abutment face which is filled with a resilient material defining a portion of said mould cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Games Workshop Limited
    Inventors: John B. Thornthwaite, Robert Naismith
  • Patent number: 4971737
    Abstract: Method for producing an ice scupture employing the steps of forming rigid metallic mold halves from the objects, said mold halves having recesses which collectively define the object; yieldably joining said rigid mold halves together at discrete locations; filling said mold halves with a freezable liquid; chilling the assembly sufficient to freeze the freezable liquid; allowing the mold halves to become differentially displaced from one another as the freezable liquid expands; disassembling said mold halves from one another to remove the ice sculpture therefrom peeling away said rubber mold from sculpture. In another embodiment, the rubber mold is eliminated and replaced by a sealing gasket. Additives may be employed to add color and/or obtain clarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Infanti Chair Manufacturing, Corp.
    Inventor: Vittorio Infanti
  • Patent number: 4946539
    Abstract: This invention is generally accomplished by providing continuous self-adhesive strands of elastic to a substrate having retractable supports extending therefrom. The retractable supports in a convex pattern are contracted with the self-adhering elastic and the substrate bearing the elastic and supports is brought into contact with the web to which the elastic is to be transferred. The series of supports around which the elastic contacts are forced to retract as the self-adhering elastic is pressed against the web causing the elastic to transfer to the substrate thereby creating an elastic band on the substrate. In a preferred form the substrate is fed two strips of self-adhering elastic that are applied on each side of a series of a convex pattern of pins and then pressed together around opposing sides of the convex pattern of pins to seal the elastic to itself and sever the elastic, creating a contoured closed loop around the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Ales, Jeffrey J. Samida, Donald F. Arthur, Ronald H. Wideman
  • Patent number: 4943225
    Abstract: A one-piece mandrel for making elastomeric articles by a dipping process has a one-piece body which includes at least one opening extending therethrough. A split extends from the opening through a cross-section of the one-piece body. At least a portion of the body adjacent the split is formed of an elastically resilient material to allow the split to open for removal of the elastomeric article after formation, and to cause the split to self-close after removal of the article from the mandrel. Closure of the split forms a substantially continuous molding surface in the immediate vicinity of the split. Proper alignment of the mating surfaces of the split is assured by irregular (non-linear) design of the split surfaces, or by use of an alignment element embedded in the mandrel. An especially advantageous material for forming the mandrel of the present invention is a silicon rubber molding compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: Ronald E. Prater
  • Patent number: 4937025
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making self-supporting bodies from particulate materials. The apparatus includes a mold with opposed first and second walls defining a particulate chamber therebetween. The second wall is advanceable and retractable toward and away from the first wall. A plurality of chamber reducers may be removably mounted over each of the walls. Thick-walled members can be incrementally built up by pressing successive batches of particulate material at low and high pressures respectively. The chamber reducers can be successively removed between such batches, or can be used to vary the mold for making bodies of different sizes. A long body can be built up in increments, using a shorter mold, by forming a first increment, displacing the increment lengthwise in the mold, adding another batch of particulate material in overlapping relation to the first body increment, and then pressing such other batch to form a second increment bonded to the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Hydra Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Foster, Frank G. Weeden
  • Patent number: 4934919
    Abstract: Powder is filled in an axially elongate powder filling space defiined in a flexible pressure tube, and the pressure-bearing surface of the flexible pressure tube is pressurized with a pressurizing fluid, from a wall portion of the pressure tube which corresponds to a localized region of the powder filling space progressively toward another wall portion of the pressure tube which corresponds to an end of the powder filling space, until the pressure-bearing surface of the pressure tube is pressurized in its entirety, thereby compacting the powder in the powder filling space. Therefore, air in the powder is progressively squeezed toward the end of the powder filling space where the air can be discharged. Thus, no air remains trapped in the powder, and a formed product is prevented from being damaged, which enables elongate products to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: INAX Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Matsushita, Hideo Iijima
  • Patent number: 4854843
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing cast products which include a filling unit wherein elastic moulds of open-bag shape are filled with non-solid materials, a solidifying unit wherein the materials are allowed to solidify in the elastic moulds, and a withdrawal unit wherein the solidified materials are withdrawn from the inside of the elastic moulds in the filling unit, the elastic mould is positioned under a vacuum when filling starts. The apparatus provides cast products without mould joint marks, low mould production costs and prevention of mould breakage as well as a great degree of production simplification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Asahi Denka Kogyo K. K.
    Inventors: Satoru Takeda, Toshihiro Hayashi, Hiroshige Kohno
  • Patent number: 4822273
    Abstract: Detergent bars (soap or non-soap) are stamped or imprinted using a die or dies having a modulus of elasticity in the range 5.times.10.sup.5 to 1.times.10.sup.7 Nm.sup.-2. This gives reduced adhesion of detergent to die, reduced die-blocking and consequently reduced marring of bars. Preferably each such die has a facing layer of elastomer so as to achieve the desired low modulus of elasticity which preferably is distinctly less than that of the detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Adams, Brian Edmondson
  • Patent number: 4812115
    Abstract: A trapped rubber molding apparatus including a die positioned within a fixed-volume, rigid mold, the die being surrounded by an integral solid silicone rubber material which has been cured within the mold at an elevated temperature. The die and mold closure are thermally isolated from the remainder of the mold. The die and the silicone rubber material adjacent thereto are selectively heated and cooled. The opposite end of the mold is selectively heated and cooled. This configuration results in the ability to independently control temperature and pressure on the molded part during the molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel N. Kemp
  • Patent number: 4807844
    Abstract: A unitary mold for making ice sculpture includes: a mold made of elastomer material having an inner cavity concave downwardly for forming a model of an ice sculpture such as an animal, a building or a person or an article; a perforating bar or needle poking through the mold which can be warmed up to slightly melt the ice surrounding the bar or needle for its easy withdrawal from the ice product and forming a through hole of the ice sculpture for decorative, carrying, or water-drainage purposes; and an expansion-releasing element such as a flip-flop member formed as a part of the mold, serving as a buffer for the expansion of the water during its refrigeration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Inventor: Chen-Hua Tu
  • Patent number: 4802839
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing cast products comprises a filling unit wherein non-solid materials are filled into open-bag shaped elastic moulds through filling nozzles, a solidifying unit wherein the material is solidified in the elastic mould, and a withdrawal unit wherein the solidified product is removed from the inside of the elastic mould. The apparatus can produce cast products with high commercial values and low production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Yoshiyuki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Hidawa
  • Patent number: 4797081
    Abstract: A one-piece mandrel for making elastomeric articles by a dipping process has a one-piece body which includes at least one opening extending therethrough. A split extends from the opening through a cross-section of the one-piece body. At least a portion of the body adjacent the split is formed of an elastically resilient material to allow the split to open for removal of the elastomeric article after formation, and to cause the split to self-close after removal of the article from the mandrel. Closure of the split forms a substantially continuous molding surface in the immediately vicinity of the split. Proper alignment of the mating surfaces of the split is assured by irregular (non-planar) design of the split surfaces, or by use of an alignment element embedded in the mandrel. In embodiments where a ferro-magnetic alignment element is used, a separate magnetized element may also be embedded in the mandrel to assist in holding the split closed during the dipping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Inventor: Ronald E. Prater
  • Patent number: 4793959
    Abstract: Detergent bars (soap or non-soap) are stamped or imprinted using a die or dies having a modulus of elasticity in the range 5.times.10.sup.5 to 1.times.10.sup.7 Nm.sup.-2. This gives reduced adhesion of detergent to die, reduced die-blocking and consequently reduced marring of bars. Preferably each such die has a facing layer of elastomer so as to achieve the desired low modulus of elasticity which preferably is distinctly less than that of the detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Adams, Brian Edmondson
  • Patent number: 4786456
    Abstract: A mold for synthetic resin products which are to be shaped while soft, includes a pair of elongated mold parts each having opposed complementary faces with contours at least partially conforming to at least parts of the product to be shaped. A support means on which the mold parts are mounted provide for moving at least one of the mold parts relative to the other mold part to effect removal therefrom of a finished product. The mold parts are constructed and arranged so as to be bendable along their longitudinal axes to effect a change in arcuate configuration, the mold parts being made of a material which facilitates sliding of the synthetic resin product through the mold, the support means supporting the mold parts in fixed spaced apart disposition as the product is moved longitudinally between the mold parts to thereby impart to the product an arcuate configuration corresponding to the arcuate configuration of the mold parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Maschinen Witte KG
    Inventor: Karl H. Witte
  • Patent number: 4755341
    Abstract: A method particularly adapted for making a complex shaped composite component that has reduced bridging defects. The method comprises disposing a composite prepreg on to a substantially flat tool. The composite prepreg has a substantially flat section and at least one prepreg member extending from and substantially perpendicular to said flat section. A layer, at least about 125% of said composite prepreg height, of a said flowable particulate silicone rubber is disposed in substantially complete contact with the composite prepreg surface. The particulate silicone rubber has a flow rate of at least 0.6 gram/second through a 1.1 cm diameter pipe 7.6 cm long under applied pressure of 10.34 MPa at room temperature. The layer of solid flowable rubber is covered with a bag to effect a gas tight seal. The bag is exposed to pressures which are transferred to said prepreg by said solid flowable polymer. The composite prepreg is exposed to temperatures to form a composite component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Richard T. Reavely, Peter C. Ogle, Robert V. Kromrey
  • Patent number: 4738813
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for molding the edges of a board-shaped blank with plastic material. A one-piece mold is provided made of a material with rubber-like elasticity and having a C-shaped cross section. Two free legs of the mold receive between themselves the edges of the blank and rest against the blank from the top and bottom. The mold is surrounded by a divided mold box, having upper and lower parts supporting the mold on all sides and being compressible perpendicularly to the plane of the blank. Upon compression, free legs of the mold are forced against the blank. In the mold box, spacing elements are arranged on top of and beneath the blank to limit the distance of movement of the parts of the mold box and the compression of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Gerd Finkensiep
  • Patent number: 4726873
    Abstract: This invention is generally accomplished by providing continuous self-adhesive strands of elastic to a substrate having retractable supports extending therefrom. The retractable supports in a convex pattern are contracted with the self-adhering elastic and the substrate bearing the elastic and supports is brought into contact with the web to which the elastic is to be transferred. The series of supports around which the elastic contacts are forced to retract as the self-adhering elastic is pressed against the web causing the elastic to transfer to the substrate thereby creating an elastic band on the substrate. In a preferred form the substrate is fed two strips of self-adhering elastic that are applied on each side of a series of a convex pattern of pins and then pressed together around opposing sides of the convex pattern of pins to seal the elastic to itself and sever the elastic, creating a contoured closed loop around the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Ales, Jeffrey J. Samida, Donald F. Arthur, Ronald H. Wideman
  • Patent number: 4704240
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a fiber reinforced resin composite article having tubular structures that has improved density and fewer voids. The method comprises laying up a prepreg that has at least two tubular structures and disposing a thermally conductive metallic support structure within and in contact with the tubular structures. The prepreg is disposed within and in substantially complete contact with a tool which has at least one hole. An expandable bag having at least one opening in communication with a tube is inserted within each tubular structure thereby forming a void space between the bag and the tubular structure. The void space is substantially filled with a solid flowable particulate silicone rubber that contacts the prepreg and the tube is sealed to edge of hole in the tool. The solid flowable rubber is caused to transfer a substantially uniform predetermined pressure to the surface of the prepreg by pressurizing the expandable bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Richard T. Reavely, Peter C. Ogle, Robert V. Kromrey
  • Patent number: 4704082
    Abstract: The invention concerns an isostatic press mold for producing moldings from powdery ceramic material. The mold comprises two mold parts which are movable relative to one another between a mold-closed position and a mold-open position and which, in the mold-closed position, define between them a mold cavity. On at least one of the mold parts, there is a press diaphragm which on one side defines part of the limiting surface of the mold cavity and on the other side is subjected to a pressure fluid. On its said other side, that is to say on its side facing away from the mold cavity, the press diaphragm is designed with a plurality of recess spaces so that the press mold can be deformed, while at the same time reducing the internal stresses occurring in it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignees: Hutschenreuther AG, Eugen Buhler
    Inventors: Eugen Buhler, Klaus Strobel, Karl Schwarzmeier
  • Patent number: 4702870
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing three-dimensional structural members having one flat side from wood fibers utilizing flow deposition of the fibers onto a support. The support includes resilient deformable mold inserts. The mold inserts are formed of silicone rubber and may be blocks of the material, or may be a membrane which can be inflated to form the mold inserts. Pressing is done with a force normal to the support, and the mold inserts create response forces at varying directions to thus shape and hold the three-dimensional finished part. Heat drying also may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Vance C. Setterholm, John F. Hunt
  • Patent number: 4655984
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming a pressed body (54) with a bore (56) therein and with a notch (58) in the exterior surface thereof. The body (54) is formed by isostatically pressing particulate material (52) in an elastic mold (14) so that the material (52) is compacted into a self-supporting mass. Used in conjunction with the elastic mold is a mold closure and core holder member (32) to which is fixed a rigid core (42) and a resilient notch defining bar (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Champion Spark Plug Company
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Hinton, Donald S. Pratt, Edward J. Gehart
  • Patent number: 4647000
    Abstract: A flexible grid or lattice molding form having a release-layer covered adhesive on one major side surface and a peelable layer on the opposite major side surface. The grid or lattice can be adhered to a preformed wall or flow by the adhesive layer and a cement mixture sprayed on troweled thereover. The upper peelable surface then can be stripped off removing any molding material covering the peelable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Inventor: Hideharu Osada
  • Patent number: 4616987
    Abstract: A tool (10) for taking an impression of an area of the internal bore of a tubular member (16) or a joint between two such members comprising means for directing a casting compound between two flexible membranes (20, 22) which are then forced outwardly so that the outer membrane (22) engages the area to be inspected within a bore where the compound forms a resilient mold (cast). When the force against the membranes and mold is removed, the membranes and mold collapse allowing the mold and tool (10) to be retrieved out the bore.The tool (10) carries casting compound in two parts unmixed to the area to be inspected where a selected amount of working fluid (60) under preselected pressure from a fluid source (18) of a selected volume will open a valve (42) then force the two parts to be mixed and directed between two flexible membranes (20, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Vetco Offshore Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Boyers, John W. Finlayson
  • Patent number: 4586890
    Abstract: A first end of a hand held elongated flexible tool is used for uniformly compressing and contouring of a bead of caulk, grout, putty, or other fluent material. The opposite end of the tool is then used to remove excess fluent material from the sides of the contoured bead. In a preferred form, the contouring end of the tool contains at least one concavity extending longitudinally from an extremity of that end and partially along one side of the tool. A bead is contoured by one stroke or pass of the tool, and in one preferred embodiment the contouring end contains two such concavities on opposite sides. In the same embodiment, one concavity has a greater lateral dimension than the other for providing two choices of bead width. The opposite end of the tool is disposed for removal of excess fluent material, and has a concavity extending fully laterally across the extremity of that end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Inventor: Clandes Marchbanks
  • Patent number: 4582682
    Abstract: A thin-walled elastic envelope or mold element is arranged within a divisible outer supporting mold of porous material and a vacuum is applied to the outer supporting mold. Thereupon powdered metal or ceramic is introduced into the elastic mold element and the mold element is closed and pressurized to form a preform. The preform is then subjected to cold isostatic pressurization which is applied to the outer surface of the elastic mold element. Prior to the cold isostatic pressurization, the vacuum applied to the outer supporting mold is terminated and a vacuum is produced within the elastic mold element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: MTU Motoren-und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Betz, Werner Huther
  • Patent number: 4571277
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cold retreading or recapping of the running surface of a vehicle tire. A rubber, rope and cloth mold larger in diameter than the recap tires produced in it is produced utilizing a new tire male mold covered with perforated polypropylene film, uncured rubber with nylon rope at its edges and highly stretchable cloth enclosed in an envelope and cured by application of pressure and heat. A larger male mold is used to make the final female mold directly, or a like-size male mold is used to make an intermediate mold which is used to produce a tread ring that is stretched to form a larger diameter male mold from which a final mold is prepared. The somewhat flexible, compressible final female mold thus produced is then utilized in recapping tires by positioning it around a prepared tire carcass coated with cement, a layer of uncured rubber, and a sheet of perforated polypropylene film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: An-Rix, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon C. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 4562032
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a molded article comprising covering at least a portion of the mold wall with a thin smooth surfaced soft lining as an integral permanent lower part of the mold cavity, thereafter loading a preformed grained vinyl shell against at least a portion of the soft lining; closing the mold and injecting a reactive plastic formulation into the mold such that the reactive plastic material forms a rigid backing layer that is strongly bonded to the vinyl shell without distorting the vinyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Ex-Cell-O Corporation
    Inventor: Laurent R. Gaudreau
  • Patent number: 4500375
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cold retreading of the running surface of a vehicle tire. A rubber and cloth mold is produced utilizing a new tire male mold covered with perforated polyethylene film, uncured rubber and highly stretchable cloth enclosed in an envelope and cured by application of pressure and heat. The somewhat flexible female mold thus produced is then utilized in recapping tires by positioning it around a prepared tire carcass coated with cement, a layer of uncured rubber, and a sheet of perforated polyethylene film. The mold and tire assembly is then enclosed in an envelope, and like assemblies are placed in a chamber where curing of the rubber layer is accomplished by inflation of the tire carcass, evacuation of the envelope, pressurization of the chamber and application of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: An-Rix, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon C. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 4496299
    Abstract: A moulding tool unit for semi-isostatic compaction of a powder has a mould cavity (14) defined by an elastomeric jacket (121). The jacket (121) is surrounded with clearance by an elastomeric sleeve (122) which is sealingly joined to the jacket (121). The space (123) between the sleeve (122) and jacket (121 ) is filled with an isostatic pressure translating medium such as a hydraulic liquid (127). The jacket (121) may be supported in a direction towards the sleeve (122) by a stiff jacket (125) having perforations (126) through which the hydraulic liquid (127) can flow. The unit is adapted such that for a pressing operation it can be inserted with a small clearance and pressurized in the dry pressing chamber of a hydraulic press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: KB Cold Isostatic Press Systems CIPS
    Inventor: Ola Pettersson
  • Patent number: 4482515
    Abstract: In the production of molded articles from a pourable compound, such as an oxide ceramic compound, for example, a porcelain compound, an injection chamber is formed between an isostatic compression molding tool and a superposed injection head, negative pressure conditions are established within the injection chamber. The pourable compound is fluidized and is drawn into the injection chamber by the negative pressure. Subsequently, the compound is isostatically compressed while the negative pressure conditions are maintained during at least the initial phase of the compressing operation. A closing member is positioned at the opening into the injection chamber through which the pourable compound flows. The closing member is displaceable between an open position admitting flow and a closed position blocking flow into the injection chamber. In the closed position, the surface of the closing member facing into the injection chamber forms a continuation of the adjacent surface of the injection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignees: Eugen Buhler, Hutschenreuther AG
    Inventors: Eugen Buhler, Klaus Strobel, Karl Schwarzmeier
  • Patent number: 4481162
    Abstract: A flexible mold defining either a full base or a quadrant base of a dental model includes a perimeter member for defining the side walls of the base and a shelf extending inwardly from the rear side wall for delineating a slot at the rear of the base, which slot is useable for indexing an arm of an articulator to be attached to opposed ones of the bases. A variant of the mold permits the formation of a pedestal for supporting a matching tooth die. A method of removing the molded article from the mold is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: KV33 Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald E. Huffman
  • Patent number: 4468190
    Abstract: A mold for synthetic resin products which are to be shaped while soft, includes a pair of elongated mold parts each having opposed complementary faces with contours at least partially conforming to at least parts of the product to be shaped. A support means on which the mold parts are mounted provide for moving at least one of the mold parts relative to the other mold part to effect removal therefrom of a finished product. The mold parts are constructed and arranged so as to be bendable along their longitudinal axes to effect a change in arcuate configuration, the mold parts being made of a material which facilitates sliding of the synthetic resin product through the mold, the support means supporting the mold parts in fixed spaced apart disposition as the product is moved longitudinally between the mold parts to thereby impart to the product an arcuate configuration corresponding to the arcuate configuration of the mold parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Assignee: Maschinen Witte KG
    Inventor: Karl H. Witte
  • Patent number: 4441876
    Abstract: A flow molding process and associated molding apparatus for making plastic parts or pieces utilizing a radio frequency heating fluid. The molding apparatus includes a pair of spaced electrodes, at least one of which supports a molding material which may be in the form of an imprinted diaphragm (mold) for forming an imprint on at least one side of the plastic piece being fabricated. The apparatus is, in particular, employed for forming pieces having different thicknesses throughout, the purpose being to provide uniform heating throughout the piece being fabricated regardless of the varying thicknesses thereof. This is accomplished by maintaining the capacitance constant throughout all different thickness sections of the piece. This may be accomplished by equalizing the dielectric constants between the thermoplastic or the like material and the diaphragm (mold) material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Inventor: Michel Marc
  • Patent number: 4388263
    Abstract: Fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin composites are molded and cured in a system using controlled elastomeric tooling to apply molding pressure only after temperature has been increased to a selected point. A composite material to be molded and cured is typically placed between a fixed mold surface and a movable reaction block. A container is mounted on a fixed support behind the block in a manner permitting movement toward the block. The container has an interior base generally parallel to the block and an upstanding edge extending toward the block. A pad of an elastomeric material having a positive coefficient of thermal expansion is retained in the container by the edges. The pad extends beyond the edges into contact with the block. A gap of selected size lies between the pad and the container base. As the assembly is heated during molding, the pad expands into the gap without exerting significant pressure on the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corp./Convair Division
    Inventor: John Prunty
  • Patent number: 4379114
    Abstract: A method of joining narrow waterproof sheets to obtain a waterproof sheet of wide width having a gently curved joint which is free from any acutely stepped portion. It comprises disposing a cure tape between the overlapping edge portions of the sheets to be joined, positioning a piece of cushiony material below or above the overlapping edge portions, and heating the overlapping edge portions and the cure tape under pressure. The cure tape has a width which is substantially equal to that of the overlapping edge portions before pressure is applied thereto. When pressure is applied, the cure tape projects in opposite directions beyond the extremities of the overlapping edge portions. One form of the joint thus formed is flat on one surface and gently curved on the other surface, while another form is gently curved on both surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Limited
    Inventors: Toshiaki Fujiki, Hikaru Kano, Toru Nishi
  • Patent number: 4378929
    Abstract: A mold for the base of a dental model includes index means cooperative with a dental model articulator, detachable perimeter members for defining the side walls of the base and an insert for delineating a platform upon which a tooth die is attached. The insert is reversably mountable to accommodate relocation of the platform as a right or left quadrant. A variant includes a flexible rubber mold which defines a quadrant or a full base, each including index means and having a platform for supporting the respective tooth die. Forms for making the flexible molds are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Assignee: KV33 Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald E. Huffman
  • Patent number: 4378203
    Abstract: A concrete mould employs resilient side shuttering, made of rubber for example, which is prevented from deflecting, when concrete is poured, by tensioning wires extending along the length of the shuttering. Pieces of the shuttering, forming the sides of a casting box, extend between fixed end plates having a series of holes to receive the tensioning wires for adjusting the modular width of panels cast in the box. A series of apertures is provided in each piece of side shuttering so that pneumatic core formers can be inserted through aligned apertures so as to extend across the casting box. Different types of joint formers, either fully or partly resilient, can be located about the core formers, each joint former having a series of grooves to receive reinforcement or tensioning wires or rods. When inflated the pneumatic core former locks the joint formers in place. Opening formers can be made from the shuttering and the joint formers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Inventor: Kandiah T. Nayagam
  • Patent number: 4374636
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for use in producing centrally-apertured video disc records. The apparatus includes first and second mold halves reciprocally movable with respect to each other between a closed position, wherein the two mold halves are in proximity to each other and molten plastic material is injected into a planar, annular cavity defined therebetween to form the record disc, and an open position, wherein the two mold halves are spaced apart from each other and the molded record disc can be removed. The molding apparatus further includes first and second annular rings carried by the respective first and second mold halves and defining the outer perimeter of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1983
    Assignee: Discovision Associates
    Inventor: John R. Holmes
  • Patent number: 4350486
    Abstract: A press mold having upper and lower jaws for pressing and molding articles of ceramic material. Each jaw supports a die, at least one of which has a molding matrix. A press ring mounted around the die having the matrix. Upper and lower contoured parts made of synthetic material or rubber are respectively mounted on the upper and lower die by adhesive. Each contoured part has a matrix. One of these matrices has an inner contoured edge which corresponds to the outer edge contour of the molding made by the press mold and having an outer contoured edge at least in the areas of the smaller diameters of the molding with respect to the areas of the largest diameter of the moldings in the direction of the surface of the molding which protrudes beyond this inner contoured edge and which has an even contour, such as a circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Assignee: Laeis-Werke AG
    Inventors: Hans-Henning Croseck, Rolf Jung