Vulcanizing Or Curing Means Including A Conforming Preform Support Patents (Class 425/501)
  • Patent number: 9159603
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (“IC”) package strip support assembly for a saw table including a first material having a first hardness and having a surface adapted to engage a first surface of an IC package strip during sawing; and a second material having a second hardness and having a surface adapted to engage the first surface of the IC package strip during sawing wherein the second hardness is less than the first hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joseph Cruz Yutuc, Leody Navarro Olivares
  • Publication number: 20150091218
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming an injection molded article is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pumping system to deliver a silicone formulation to a mold, the silicone formulation having a viscosity of about 50,000 centipoise to about 2,000,000 centipoise. The mold has an exterior housing and an interior cavity therein, wherein the silicone formulation flows into the cavity of the mold. The apparatus further includes a source of radiation energy, wherein the radiation energy substantially cures the silicone formulation within the cavity of the mold to form the injection molded article. The present disclosure further includes a method of forming the injection molded article and a mold for an injection molded article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Boris L. Serebrennikov, Aijun Zhu, Aziz Mahfoud-Familia
  • Patent number: 8992207
    Abstract: A tool for curing a composite layup comprises a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup thereon. The tool includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Dull, Michael K. Louie, Gordon M. Cox
  • Patent number: 8944128
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20150030799
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a first substrate including a display region and a peripheral region, where the peripheral region surrounds the display region, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, a resin layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, where the resin layer covers a surface of the second substrate, a first member disposed at a bottom surface of the second substrate corresponding to the peripheral region of the first substrate, where the first member covers a portion of the resin layer, and a second member which surrounds the first substrate, the second substrate, the first member and the resin layer, where the second member is disposed at opposing side portions of the second substrate, the second member is spaced apart from the first substrate, and the second member surrounds opposing side portions of the resin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Kyu-Ho JUNG, Young-In LIM, Jun-Ho KWACK, Sang-Hee CHOI
  • Publication number: 20150021828
    Abstract: A rubber vulcanizer includes: a pair of heat plates disposed to be opposed to each other in a prescribed direction and to be apart from each other in the prescribed direction; and one or more dies for rubber molding stacked on each other in the prescribed direction between the heat plates. The rubber vulcanizer is able to realize either a state in which the dies of which the number is N are stacked on each other in the prescribed direction between the heat plates, or a state in which the dies of which the number is (N+1) are stacked on each other in the prescribed direction between the heat plates, where N is a natural number that satisfies at least a condition that 1?N?M, and M is a certain positive integer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuki HAMADA, Isao USUKI
  • Publication number: 20150008623
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mould system and a method for net moulding of a co-cured integrated structure (1) comprising a skin (26) provided with stringers (4) and rib feet (2) and with a gap (6) between the stringers (4) and the rib feet (4). The mould system comprises a substantially rectangular frame (12) made of a low heat expanding material, a number of substantially rectangular boxes (8) made of a heat expanding material, connection plates (16) made of a heat expanding material and fastening means (14). By means of the connection plates (16) the gap (6) is obtained. A moulding assembly (64) is created by applying prepregs to the surfaces of the boxes (8), by connecting the boxes (8) to each other and by surrounding the connected boxes (8) with the frame (12). The moulding assembly (64) is treated in a conventional way in an autoclave in order to cure the structure (1). Thereafter the frame (12), the boxes (8) and the connection plates (16) are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Peter Johansson, Sverker Schultz
  • Patent number: 8840393
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a composite item from a layup may comprise a debulking device, a vacuum generator and a curing device. The debulking device may include a vacuum chamber, an envelope and a heater. The vacuum chamber may have a chamber pressure. The envelope may be contained within the vacuum chamber and may have an envelope pressure. The layup may be received within the envelope. The heater may heat the layup. The vacuum generator may be in fluid connection with the debulking device. The curing device may cure the layup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Wilenski, Arvid J. Berg
  • Patent number: 8794957
    Abstract: A forming tool and method for its use with flat pre-preg composite laminate assemblies which incorporates a mandrel segmented into multiple forming blocks, the forming blocks sized to receive a draped composite laminate assembly with all portions of the composite laminate assembly spaced from a shaping surface on each block. A spline plate engages the shaping surface of the forming blocks to provide a neutral axis for maintaining the entire composite laminate assembly in tension during forming. In the exemplary embodiments, the draped composite laminate assembly is formed to the forming blocks from the flat composite laminate assembly and maintained in contact with the forming blocks using a vacuum bag. The mandrel forming blocks are then displaced to a desired curvature on the spline plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Peter D. McCowin, Paul E. Nelson, Worm Lund
  • Patent number: 8784092
    Abstract: A device for producing a composite material part designed to be in contact with aerodynamic flows, in particular a portion of the fuselage, whereby the device includes at least one mold (32), elements (34, 36, 38) for compressing the part that is to be produced, as well as a system for drainage of the gases emanating from the part that is to be produced that includes at least one plate (42), characterized in that the at least one plate (42) includes a number of openings (44) whose shapes and/or arrangement limit the degradation of the aerodynamic characteristics of the part that is to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Aurelien Boyeldieu, Virginie Charbonnier
  • Patent number: 8714962
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mold for thermoforming food pots having a decoration, and to an associated method, the mold (1) being in the form of a plate in the thickness of which at least one cell (2) for thermoforming a pot is formed, characterized in that it comprises an element (3) with an effusivity less than that of the mold, which is arranged on at least a part of the peripheral wall (21) of the cell, the said part being intended to be in contact with an overlap zone of the decoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: A.R.C.I.L.
    Inventor: Paul Le Roi
  • Patent number: 8651850
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for stiffening a flat component, a process for the production of a flat component, in particular a fiber composite component, and a fiber composite component. The device has a portion for producing a space for receiving a mold core for the transmission of a pressure for pressing the flat component and the device. It is characterised by means for positively lockingly and/or frictionally lockingly positioning the mold core in the space of the device. The process according to the invention includes the following steps: introducing the mold core into the portion of the device, positively lockingly and/or frictionally lockingly positioning the mold core in the portion of the device by means of the means, applying the device including the mold core to the non-hardened material layer or layers, pressing the material layers, and hardening the material layer or layers and joining the device to the material layer or layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Torben Jacob, Ivar Wiik
  • Publication number: 20140028048
    Abstract: The invention relates, among other aspects, to a motor-vehicle top (10) comprising a flexible cover layer (11) that provides an outer face of the top with a cutout provided therein, and at least one window is provided in the cutout, particularly a rear window (12), a circumferential edge region of the cover layer being connected to an outer window edge by a polyurethane bead (13), and wherein the polyurethane bead is synthesized by reacting an isocyanate component with a polyol component, the polyol component comprising at least the following constituents: a) polyols, herein polyetherols and/or polyesterols; b) a propellant; c) a lead-free catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Christian KORNEXL
  • Patent number: 8597016
    Abstract: A system for producing a pultruded component includes a fixture for providing fibrous reinforcements, a system for providing a polymeric resin, and an impregnation die for coating the fibrous reinforcements with the polymeric resin precursor. The impregnation die includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The fibrous reinforcements include fiber tows made of a plurality of fibers. The system also includes a curing die for forming the pultruded component. The first chamber of the impregnation die is configured for coating exterior surfaces of the fiber tows with the polymeric resin precursor. The second chamber of the impregnation die is configured for coating the plurality of fibers within the fiber tows with the polymeric resin precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Milgard Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventors: Randall Jay Brown, Semen Kharchenko, Harry D. Coffee, Icheng Huang
  • 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: 20130093125
    Abstract: An in-mold labeling system includes a molding apparatus having a first mold half and a second mold half that opposes the first mold half, the mold halves defining at least one mold cavity contained within a cavity wall. The in-mold labeling system further comprises a polymeric label receptor fixed to at least a portion of the cavity wall of the at least one mold cavity. The polymeric label receptor has a tacky contact face facing the inside of the at least one mold cavity when the molding apparatus is in the closed position. During a molding process, the tacky contact face of the polymeric label receptor receives a mold-side face of a label. The label is held in position against the tacky contact face during the molding process by surface tension between the mold-side face of the label and the tacky contact face of the polymeric label receptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Furey, Robert Freund
  • Publication number: 20130092624
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a method for making a pleated filter cartridge by placing a pleated filter on a mold and adding a polymerizable potting compound to the inner cavity of the pleated filter. The potting compound is permitted to cover the portion of the upper surface of the mold that is encompassed by the pleats. The potting compound is selected to form a polyurethane after polymerization is complete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vishal Bansal, Jason Mei, Jeff Allen Canfield, Bryan David Yetter
  • Patent number: 8419886
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing two or more composite parts, the method comprising: assembling the composite parts on a mandrel by laying a series of layers of bands of composite material onto the mandrel with a placement machine,—rotating the mandrel as the bands are laid onto the mandrel; attaching two or more debulk frames (10, 11) to the mandrel between opposed edges of the composite parts after the composite parts have been assembled; wrapping the mandrel, debulk frames (10, 11) and composite parts in a debulk bag; heating the composite parts,—forming a vacuum between the mandrel and the debulk bag so that the debulk bag is sucked into voids between the debulk frames and the heated composite parts and progressively presses against the heated composite parts whereby excess material is squeezed by the debulk bag towards their opposed edges; and removing the debulk bag and the composite parts from the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Simon Astwood, John Jacobs, Matthew Hocking, Jago Pridie
  • Patent number: 8409389
    Abstract: Portable apparatus for curing a part includes a wheeled frame having sliding part supports that move the part from a loading position to a curing position. A part clamping assembly is slidably mounted on the frame to apply clamping pressure to the part when the part is in the curing position in order to compact the part during a cure cycle. The clamping assembly includes a set of electrically heated shoes that heat the part to a cure temperature. A fan is provided to accelerate cool down the part after curing is complete. The heating and cooling operations are automatically performed by a programmed controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gary E. Jones
  • Publication number: 20120288583
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for preparing preforms of carbon fiber-reinforced components including a preforming mold that can be immobilized on a work bench in an electrically insulated manner, and provided with at least two electrodes in positions in which they contact opposite end areas of the preform to generate a resistive electrical circuit through the carbon fibers to activate a binder present in the preform by heating, a leak-tight elastically deformable compacting membrane capable of adapting to the outer geometry of a preform arranged on the mold, and a pneumatic connection means connected to the compacting device to force the membrane to exert a compacting force on the preform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION
    Inventors: Miguel SEGURA MORENO, Ricardo MEZZACASA LASARTE, Francisco José ESTENSORO ASTIGARRAGA, José Ramón GARCÍA MARTíNEZ, Xabier IRASTORZA ARREGUI, Valentín COLLADO JIMÉNEZ, Oihane BELOKI ZUBIRI
  • Patent number: 8303757
    Abstract: An apparatus to prepare a preform for fabrication includes a mandrel, anchoring groove, anchoring device, tensioning groove, and tensioning device. The mandrel receives the preform. The mandrel has a first mandrel end and a second mandrel end. The preform has a first preform end and a second preform end. The anchoring groove is disposed at the first mandrel end. The anchoring device is configured and located to urge the first preform end towards the anchoring groove to secure the first preform end therebetween. The tensioning groove is disposed between the first mandrel end and the second mandrel end. The tensioning device is configured and located to urge a portion of the preform into the tensioning groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: 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: 8251689
    Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) device for curing fluids such as inks, coatings, and adhesives, for example. In one embodiment, LEDs are positioned on faces defined by an inverted recess in a base portion. The LEDs are configured such that the light beams emitted from the LEDs converge at a single area or point to provide a single, focused area or point of amplified power from the LEDs. An optical culmination device may be used to further intensify the power output from the LEDs. The optical culmination device provides enhanced power output from the UV LED device which makes the curing process more efficient than previous curing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Summit Business Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Custer
  • Patent number: 8007710
    Abstract: A green tire disposed on a toroidal support is introduced into a vulcanisation mold. The mold is closed through axial approaching of a pair of sidewall plates acting against the sidewalls of the tire. Circumferential sectors set to operate against the tire tread band are maintained spaced apart from the tread band itself during admission of a working fluid designed to press the tire against the toroidal support. Subsequently, the sectors are centripetally approached for penetration into the tread band concurrently with a step of full molding and vulcanisation of the tire carried out through admission of steam under pressure into the tire itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Pirelli Tyre S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Marchini, Fiorenzo Mariani, Pierangelo Misani
  • Publication number: 20110189330
    Abstract: A green tyre disposed on a toroidal support is introduced into a vulcanisation mould. The mould is closed through axial approaching of a pair of sidewall plates acting against the sidewalls of the tyre. Circumferential sectors set to operate against the tyre tread band are maintained spaced apart from the tread band itself during admission of a working fluid designed to press the tyre against the toroidal support. Subsequently, the sectors are centripetally approached for penetration into the tread band concurrently with a step of full moulding and vulcanisation of the tyre carried out through admission of steam under pressure into the tyre itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Maurizio Marchini, Fiorenzo Mariani, Pierangelo Misani
  • Publication number: 20110101034
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser and a mold used for manufacturing the fluid dispenser are disclosed. A baffle inside the fluid dispenser extends from an area on the bottom of the fluid dispenser toward a first side wall and away from a second opposite side wall forming an acute angle with the bottom. A gap between the baffle and the first side wall allows fluids to move freely from one side of the baffle to the other permitting emptying most of the residual fluid through a dip tube disposed into the bottom corner with the second side wall. The mold contains two cavities each disposed within a block configured to close over a molten plastic parison. Each cavity comprises a blade configured in a way that closing the mold produces the baffle inside the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Mary C. Baeten, John Paul Hogan, Michael Kevin Hogan
  • Patent number: 7931463
    Abstract: An apparatus for potting membranes. The apparatus may include a mould for receiving ends of the membranes, means for forming a first layer of a curable resin material around the ends in the mould, and means for applying a second layer of a flexible resin material to the first layer prior to full curing of the first layer. The flexible resin material may be chemically reactive with the curable resin material to form an adhesive bond therebetween. A potting sleeve may be positioned within the mould. A centrifuge may receive the curable resin and/or the flexible resin material upstream of the mould.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: David John Cox, Georg Schnieder, Fufang Zha, Joachim Muller, Cinzia Lea
  • Publication number: 20090008835
    Abstract: A green tyre disposed on a toroidal support is introduced into a vulcanisation mould. The mould is closed through axial approaching of a pair of sidewall plates acting against the sidewalls of the tyre. Circumferential sectors set to operate against the tyre tread band are maintained spaced apart from the tread band itself during admission of a working fluid designed to press the tyre against the toroidal support. Subsequently, the sectors are centripetally approached for penetration into the tread band concurrently with a step of full moulding and vulcanisation of the tyre carried out through admission of steam under pressure into the tyre itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Maurizio Marchini, Fiorenzo Mariani, Pierangelo Misani
  • Publication number: 20090000732
    Abstract: A fuel cell, having improved sealing against leakage, includes a sealant disposed over the peripheral portions a membrane electrode assembly such that the cured sealant penetrates a gas diffusion layer of the membrane electrode assembly. The sealant is applied through liquid injection molding techniques to form cured sealant composition at the peripheral portions of the membrane electrode assembly. The sealant may be thermally cured at low temperatures, for example 130° C. or less, or may be cured at room temperature through the application of actinic radiation. The sealant may be a one-part or a two-part sealant. The sealant includes a polymerizable material, such as a polymerizable monomer, oligomer, telechelic polymer, functional polymer and combinations thereof functionalized with a group selected from epoxy, allyl, vinyl, (meth)acrylate, imide, amide, urethane and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony F. Jacobine, John G. Woods, Steven Thomas Nakos, Matthew Peter Burdzy, Brian Russel Einsla, Kevin James Welch
  • Patent number: 7390186
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for fabricating structural building panels. The apparatus may be used for fabricating panels directly on the foundation for a building. The apparatus may include a support frame, a flattening frame, a press frame, drive members such as pneumatic cylinders supported by the press frame, and posts attached to the support frame and used for aligning and coupling the apparatus and panel components. In order to fabricate a structural panel using the inventive apparatus, drywall sheets having bores sized for receiving the posts therethrough are prepared and drywall ribs or spacers are cut from drywall sheets. The support frame may be located on the foundation where the structural panel is to be positioned and a first sheet and a second sheet placed onto the posts, the sheets having adhesive and drywall spacers positioned perpendicularly therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Robert L Timbrook
  • Patent number: 6808673
    Abstract: A hollow body is formed from several multi-layer plastic elements which are welded together and comprise a barrier layer that is a barrier to liquids and to gases. The elements form an appendage which extends from an outer surface of the hollow body, wherein the appendage comprises two multi-layer plastic layers, each of the two layers having a respective barrier layer. A method for manufacturing the hollow body includes using compression moulding in a multi-part mould comprising welding kerbs. When the mould is being closed, at least the barrier layers of the multi-layer plastic elements are forced to flow into a shallow slot formed between the welding kerbs of the closed mould. A multi-part compression-blow-moulding mould comprises welding kerbs which, when the mould is closed, form a slot or space between them with a height of cross section that decreases towards the outside of the mould and which is extended by a shallow and broad slot intended to compress the plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Management (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
  • Patent number: 6793479
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the use of a remotely actuated localized pressure and heat apparatus for the consolidation and curing of fiber elements in, structures. The apparatus includes members for clamping the desired portion of the fiber elements to be joined, pressure members and/or heat members. The method is directed to the application and use of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Merret, DeVor R. Taylor, Mark M. Wheeler, Dan R. Gale
  • Patent number: 6776603
    Abstract: A tire bundle is molded in a mold cavity formed by closing a mold having upper and lower mold halves with intermeshing fingers (20, 24) for enclosing bead wires and providing a molded bead ring for placing in a bead apex mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: William Allen Rex, Kenneth Dean Conger, Brian Joseph Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040122123
    Abstract: A pultrusion apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced plastic article having a non-linear shape includes a mold configured to receive a partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article and to form the partially-cured fiber-reinforced plastic article into a spirally wound shape. A drive mechanism is coupled to the mold and configured to rotate the mold such that the fiber-reinforced plastic article is taken up on the mold. An energy source is operatively associated with the mold and positioned so that the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article is cured in a spirally wound shape as the article is taken up on the longitudinally extending mold. The pultrusion apparatus allows for continuously shaping a non-linear fiber-reinforced plastic article, obviating the need for any of the work to be done by hand, which may be labor intensive, not as highly reproducible, and potentially contaminating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Robert P. Kusy, Scott Zufall, Matthew Camp, Glenys Thorstenson, Brian Rucker, Hiawatha Demby, David Ruddell, Elodia Cole, Aditya Patel
  • Publication number: 20040089974
    Abstract: A hollow body is formed from several multi-layer plastic elements which are welded together and comprise a barrier layer that is a barrier to liquids and to gases. The elements form an appendage which extends from an outer surface of the hollow body, wherein the appendage comprises two multi-layer plastic layers, each of the two layers having a respective barrier layer. A method for manufacturing the hollow body includes using compression moulding in a multi-part mould comprising welding kerbs. When the mould is being closed, at least the barrier layers of the multi-layer plastic elements are forced to flow into a shallow slot formed between the welding kerbs of the closed mould. A multi-part compression-blow-moulding mould comprises welding kerbs which, when the mould is closed, form a slot or space between them with a height of cross section that decreases towards the outside of the mould and which is extended by a shallow and broad slot intended to compress the plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
  • Publication number: 20040047939
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoforming device including a forming tool having at least one mold opening and means with which a plastically deformable sheet material can be brought into contact with the inner wall of the mold opening. A first parting tool is connected to a first support element and has at least one first parting edge extending around the rim of the mold opening and a second parting tool, which is connected to a second support element has at least a second parting edge which cooperates with the first parting edge on the first parting tool. At least one of the parting tools is made from a different material than its associated support element. The first parting tool is not supported or fastened rigidly relative to the first support element, and/or the second parting tool is not supported or fastened rigidly relative to the second support element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Matthias Frank, Hans Masche
  • Publication number: 20040036202
    Abstract: Apparatus for converting a flexible liner 2 including a layer 3 of composite material comprising thermoplastics material and reinforcing fibres, into a structural member within a duct 1, has a front portion 6 for insertion in the liner 2, a central portion 7 for heating one side of the layer 3 and a rear portion 20 which forces the heated layer 3 against the duct 1 for consolidation and cooling under pressure. The central portion 7 has heating means 8 producing hot gas which is forced under pressure through the layer 3 of composite material to heat the layer 3, and provides an air gap 14 on the opposite side of the layer 3 while heating takes place. This ensures uniform heating of the layer 3, to melt the thermoplastics material which then mixes intimately with the reinforcing fibres, and is consolidated and cooled to form the structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Nicholas Leo Weatherby, Matthew Richard Turner
  • Patent number: 6679695
    Abstract: A pultrusion apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced plastic article having a non-linear shape includes a mold configured to receive a partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article and to form the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article into a spirally wound shape. A drive mechanism is coupled to the mold and configured to rotate the mold such that the fiber-reinforced plastic article is taken up on the mold. An energy source is operatively associated with the mold and positioned so that the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article is cured in a spirally wound shape as the article is taken up on the longitudinally extending mold. The pultrusion apparatus allows for continuously shaping a non-linear fiber-reinforced plastic article, obviating the need for any of the work to be done by hand, which may be labor intensive, not as highly reproducible, and potentially contaminating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Robert P. Kusy, Scott Zufall, Matthew Camp, Glenys Thorstenson, Brian Rucker, Hiawatha Demby, David Ruddell, Elodia Cole, Aditya Patel
  • Publication number: 20030141635
    Abstract: A device comprises a male mold, a male prepress board slidably fastened with the male mold, a female mold, and a female prepress board slidably fastened with the female mold. The device is used to make an air sac in such a way that a cylindrical polyurethane body is first flattened out by the prepress boards, and that a closed air sac body is formed in the slide holes of the prepress boards, and further that the air sac is finally formed in the mold cavities of the male mold and the female mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Lee Pao-Hsi, Yaw Jyh-Liang
  • Publication number: 20020180112
    Abstract: A pultrusion apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced plastic article having a non-linear shape includes a mold configured to receive a partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article and to form the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article into a spirally wound shape. A drive mechanism is coupled to the mold and configured to rotate the mold such that the fiber-reinforced plastic article is taken up on the mold. An energy source is operatively associated with the mold and positioned so that the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article is cured in a spirally wound shape as the article is taken up on the longitudinally extending mold. The pultrusion apparatus allows for continuously shaping a non-linear fiber-reinforced plastic article, obviating the need for any of the work to be done by hand, which may be labor intensive, not as highly reproducible, and potentially contaminating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Robert P. Kusy, Scott Zufall, Matthew Camp, Glenys Thorstenson, Brian Rucker, Hiawatha Demby, David Ruddell, Elodia Cole, Aditya Patel
  • Patent number: 6440501
    Abstract: An apparatus for curing silicone rubber is constructed so as to perform a heating process and a curing process in a very short time without degradation of characteristics in piezoelectric elements so as to improve productivity. A piezoelectric component having uncured silicone rubber coated on the external peripheral surface thereof is held in a jig having a property of reflecting far infrared rays. The uncured silicone rubber coated on the external peripheral surface of the piezoelectric component is irradiated with far infrared rays by a far infrared panel heater so as to cure the silicone rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanobu Sugimori
  • Patent number: 6386856
    Abstract: A mold assembly has an upper positioning seat, an upper panel disposed in the upper positioning seat, a lower positioning seat, a lower panel disposed in the lower positioning seat, a first air cylinder disposed on a side of the lower positioning seat, a second air cylinder disposed on a bottom of the lower positioning seat, a third air cylinder disposed on a side of the upper positioning seat, and a fourth air cylinder disposed on a top portion of the upper positioning seat. A lower plate is disposed on a bottom of the upper panel. An upper plate is disposed on the lower panel. The lower plate engages with the upper plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: Ming-Dong Chern, Cheng-Ju Ho
  • Publication number: 20020031627
    Abstract: Hollow body formed of several elements of multi-layer plastic welded together, comprising a barrier layer that is a barrier to liquids and to gases and which elements are extended towards the outside by an appendage comprising the barrier layers. Method for manufacturing such a hollow body by compression moulding in a multi-part mould comprising welding curbs and delimiting, when the mould is being closed, a shallow slot near these curves into which slot at least the barrier layers of the elements of the hollow body are forced to flow. Multi-part compression-blow-moulding mould comprising welding curbs which, when the mould is closed, leave between them a space with a height of cross section that decreases towards the outside and which is extended by a shallow and broad slot intended to compress the plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen
  • Patent number: 5820804
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping an elongated member so that it has a smoothly varying shape along its length utilizes first and second elements which define an aperture therebetween. The elements are advantageously roller elements having grooves around their circumference which change in size and shape. A core die can be used for creating the interior of the element and a fiber weave can be wrapped around the core die to create the body of the elongated member. The core is pulled through the aperture between the first and second elements as the elements rotate in opposite directions to create the varying shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Jon Elmaleh
  • Patent number: 5487853
    Abstract: A three-dimensional complex preform is made formed of various types of reinforcement fiberglass fibers with a binder at the interstices which rigidize the preform to the shape and form approximating the molded article, which can be handled and stored until a final mold is made filling the interstices with plastic and curing the plastic. Complex preforms require either specific reinforcements in the form of increased sections, specific reinforcement, or require modification or enlargement in size or increase in complexity by the attachment of one or more additional preforms. To modify an existing preform and obtain a desired shape and form, reinforcement members or additional preforms are attached by energetic stitching. Energetic stitching includes the application of an electromagnetic energy curable binder and the application of electromagnetic radiation to cure the binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: The C. A. Lawton Company
    Inventor: Daniel T. Buckley
  • Patent number: 5474645
    Abstract: A product and process for imparting decorative appliques to the sidewalls of tires during the curing operation are presented. A spool of applique composite material is maintained for feeding into a tire mold or onto a transfer device, thereby defining a ring for vulcanization to a tire. The applique consists of a laminate received upon a carrier, the laminate having a first barrier layer and a congruent second decorative layer. The laminate is received by a tire sidewall between two grooves which serve to isolate the decorative layer from the tire itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Bridgeston/Firetone, Inc.
    Inventors: Georg G. A. Bohm, Arthur E. Oberster
  • Patent number: 5413652
    Abstract: A product and process for imparting decorative appliques to the sidewalls of tires during the curing operation are presented. In one embodiment, a spool of applique composite material is maintained for feeding into a tire mold or onto a transfer device, thereby defining a ring for vulcanization to a tire. The applique consists of a laminate received upon a carrier, the laminate having a first barrier layer and a congruent second decorative layer. The laminate is received by a tire sidewall between two grooves which serve to isolate the decorative layer from the tire itself. In another embodiment a laminate of white and barrier rubber stock is formed and then configured into a cylinder. A plurality of bands are cut from the cylinder then transferred to a fixture by reorienting the bands to conform to the angle of the sidewall of the tire at the point with which the band is to be adhered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Georg G. A. Bohm, Arthur E. Oberster, James H. C. Yang
  • Patent number: 5374174
    Abstract: An improved apparatus particularly well adapted for installing a liner within a service pipe having an access end and a terminal end, the liner having a part which is everted and then inflated by the insertion of a fluid thereinto, the fluid being thus inserted by way of a conduit movable into the everted liner part by sliding through the eversion apparatus, the apparatus being further provided with appropriately located winches for controlling the movement of that part into and out of the service pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventor: Charles A. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5364258
    Abstract: A rigid three-dimensional preform is made by moving a plurality of webs of fibrous reinforcement material superposed and coplanar to a cutter, the webs being coated with an electromagnetic energy-curable binder and pressed together. Prior to cutting a blank in a two-dimensional development of the three-dimensional preform from the webs, the webs are tacked together at spaced local zones by locally curing the binder at those zones by locally applying the appropriate electromagnetic radiation (microwave, ultraviolet, electron) so that the webs travel as one to the cutter. After cutting of the blank, the blank is loaded into a mold to replicate the three-dimensional shape of the preform and the remainder of the binder is cured in the mold by the application of the appropriate electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: C.A. Lawton Company
    Inventors: Daniel T. Buckley, Siegfried W. Horn
  • Patent number: 5302338
    Abstract: A method for hooping and maintaining in compression a core by a sheath, with the sheath being made of a composite material and having an internal cross section which is less than an external cross section of the core. The core and the sheath are aligned by centering them with respect to each other, and a prior tensile force is exerted over the core to provide a suitable sealing between the portion in contact of each of the ends of the core and of the sheath. A pressurized fluid is injected into the sheath in a direction of the core, to increase the cross section of the sheath by expanding the sheath in a circumferential direction. The core is thereby gradually inserted into the sheath. When the insertion is complete, fluid injection is ceased and an expendable portion of the sheath is cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Guy Metivaud, Marcel Auberon
  • Patent number: 5091036
    Abstract: Apparatus for pultruding thermoplastic, resin-impregnated, fibrous substructures heats the substructures to a temperature just below the melting temperature of the resin. The heated substructures are then simultaneously pulled through a passage to conform them to a desired cross section. At least a portion of the perimeter of this passage is formed by a wave guide. The wave guide is vibrated at ultrasonic frequency in a predetermined direction so as to direct the ultrasonic vibration into the substructures within the passage. The application of the ultrasonic vibration stimulates the flow of the resin in the heated substructures. Pressure is applied to the flowing substructures within the passage to consolidate them into an integral structure conforming to the chosen profile. The ultrasonic vibration at low power input does result in some heat transfer to the profile, but the flow rates of the resin exemplify an increase in flow far greater than expected in relation to the temperature increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Scott R. Taylor