Apparatus and method for adjusting component features

• US 6,979,189 B2
• Filed: 07/16/2003
• Issued: 12/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ade Adebo, Rex Baxter
• Original Assignee: Ade Adebo, Rex Baxter
• Inventors: Baxter, Rex, Adebo, Ade
• Primary Examiner(s): Del Sole, Joseph S.
• Application Number:
  US10/621,162
• Publication Number:
  US 20050012232A1
• Time in Patent Office: 895 Days
• Field of Search: 425/466, 425/325, 425/380, 425/296, 425/383, 425/392, 425/12, 425/DIG.16
• US Class Current: 425/325
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2791/006 Using vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2948/92114 Dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2948/92428 Calibration, after-treatment, or cooling zone
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2948/92609 Dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2948/92923 Calibration, after-treatment or cooling zone
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/07 Flat, e.g. panels
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/12 Articles with an irregular circumference when viewed in cross-section, e.g. window profiles
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/2566 Die parts
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/90 with calibration or sizing, i.e. combined with fixing or setting of the final dimensions of the extruded article
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/904 using dry calibration, i.e. no quenching tank, e.g. with water spray for cooling or lubrication
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/908 characterised by calibrator surface, e.g. structure or holes for lubrication, cooling or venting
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/913 externally
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/9135 of flat articles, e.g. using specially adapted supporting means
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/914 cooling drums
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/92 Measuring, controlling or regulating
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 53/04 of plates or sheets B29C63/04 takes precedence; bending or folding paper B31F1/0003; folding films B65H45/00

Abstract

An apparatus and method to adjust the dimensions of thermoplastic components following passage of the component through final processing in a fixture. The invention particularly relates to an apparatus for maintaining product tolerances on thermoplastic components that have undergone post-form extrusion. In addition, the invention relates to a method for maintaining product tolerances on post-form extruded thermoplastic materials.

Claims

1. An apparatus for adjusting the dimensions of extruded thermoplastic component, said apparatus comprising:

a member mounted on a fixture, the member configured for receiving the thermoplastic component exiting the fixture wherein the member is further comprised of an outer member with a first and second leg, and an inner member, the inner and outer members including an upper surface and a shaping means opposed the upper surface for adjusting the dimensions of the component exiting the fixture, the shaping means comprising a finger outwardly extending from the inner and outer members wherein the finger of the inner and outer members includes an elliptical crown for contact with the thermoplastic component, the inner member being slidably disposed between the first leg and second leg of the outer member;

means for selectively modifying the configuration of the member from a first position to a second position so that as the thermoplastic component is received by the member a dimension of the thermoplastic component is modified.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner member includes an overhanging plate detachably secured to the upper surface of the inner member.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the means for selectively modifying the configuration of the member comprises a screw in threaded engagement with the overhanging plate and in proximate contact with a substantially horizontal surface of either outer member so that upon rotation of the screw the inner member is slidably urged from the first position to the second position.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the member is attached to the fixture with dowel pins.