Patent US4976091A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4976091A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for filling tubes
Assignee: Wacker Chemical Corp
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Filing: 1989-04-20
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Granted: 1990-12-11
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Expires: 2009-04-20
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method for filling open-ended tubes to a level below the top of the open end of the tube with a hydraulic silicone elastomer wherein a first composition and a second composition are provided to a static mixer and the mixture is supplied to the tube. The level of the elastomer in the tube is sensed by an ultrasonic sensor. When the desired predetermined level of the elastomer in the tube is reached, a signal from the ultrasonic sensor terminates the flow into the tube. The filling rate includes a fast fill rate followed by a dribble rate. The tube is vertically adjustable relative to the level sensor, and an adjustable tube stop provides a precise level adjustment.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark E. Salemka
- 👤 James W. Lorenzen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 19:38
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29B; B29B7/00; B29B7/74; B29B7/7476; G; G05; G05D; G05D9/00; G05D9/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for filling an open tube to a predetermined level below its open end with an admixture of two interacting compounds comprising mounting an open tube substantially vertically, with the open end of the tube facing upwardly; mixing a first and second compound adjacent said mouth of said tube; partially filling said tube with the admixture of said compounds at a first fill rate; reducing the fill rate of said admixture into said tube; ultrasonically measuring the surface level of said admixture below the open end of said tube; and terminating the flow of said admixture when the level within the tube reaches a predetermined level below the open end of said tube.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for filling an open tube to a predetermined level below its open end with an admixture of two interacting compounds comprising mounting an open tube substantially vertically, with the open end of the tube facing upwardly; mixing a first and second compound adjacent said mouth of said tube; partially filling said tube with the admixture of said compounds at a first fill rate; reducing the fill rate of said admixture into said tube; ultrasonically measuring the surface level of said admixture below the open end of said tube; and terminating the flow of said admixture when the level within the tube reaches a predetermined level below the open end of said tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising curing said admixture in said tube; placing a movable perforate piston adjacent the surface of said admixture; and sealing said tube above said piston.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said admixture comprises a silicone composition.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said silicone composition comprises vinyl-containing organopolysiloxanes, an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, and a catalyst which promotes crosslinking of the silicone composition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said catalyst is a platinum catalyst.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said admixture is a urethane composition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said admixture is an epoxy compound.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
194 words
Apparatus for filling an open tube to a predetermined level below its open end comprising means for mounting an open tube substantially vertically, with the open end of the tube facing upwardly; a mixing and dispensing valve mounted above said tube; an ultrasonic liquid level sensor mounted adjacent said valve at a fixed distance above the open end of said tube for measuring the level of the fluid in said tube; a source of a first material; first means for pumping said first material from said source to said valve at a predetermined rate; a source of a second material; second means for pumping said second material to said valve at a predetermined rate, said valve mixing said materials and dispensing the admixture into the tube; means for reducing the pumping rate of said first and second means at the end of a predetermined time delay so as to reduce the flow of said first and second material to said valve; and means for terminating the flow of said admixture from said mixing and dispensing valve when a predetermined level of said admixture in said tube is sensed by said ultrasonic liquid level sensor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
194 words
Apparatus for filling an open tube to a predetermined level below its open end comprising means for mounting an open tube substantially vertically, with the open end of the tube facing upwardly; a mixing and dispensing valve mounted above said tube; an ultrasonic liquid level sensor mounted adjacent said valve at a fixed distance above the open end of said tube for measuring the level of the fluid in said tube; a source of a first material; first means for pumping said first material from said source to said valve at a predetermined rate; a source of a second material; second means for pumping said second material to said valve at a predetermined rate, said valve mixing said materials and dispensing the admixture into the tube; means for reducing the pumping rate of said first and second means at the end of a predetermined time delay so as to reduce the flow of said first and second material to said valve; and means for terminating the flow of said admixture from said mixing and dispensing valve when a predetermined level of said admixture in said tube is sensed by said ultrasonic liquid level sensor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said admixture comprises a silicone composition.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said silicone composition comprises vinyl-containing organopolysiloxanes, an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, and a catalyst which promotes crosslinking of the silicone composition.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said catalyst is a platinum catalyst.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said admixture is a urethane composition.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said admixture is an epoxy compound.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-12-10 | 1994-06-11 | 1994-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-12-10 | 1998-06-11 | 1998-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-12-10 | 2002-06-11 | 2002-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |