Apparatus for manufacturing drainage line units and associated methods
US6497031B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/5353
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for manufacturing a drainage line unit. The apparatus includes a mandrel having an inner cavity. Rear, upper and front openings communicate with the mandrel cavity. Preferably, a controller connected to at least one sensor is operably positioned to control the apparatus. A pipe feeder feeds perforated vent pipe through the inner cavity of the mandrel from the rear opening to the front opening and therethrough. The pipe is positioned within the inner tube cavity so as to define a void space between the pipe and the wall of the mandrel. A hopper assembly has an exit port positioned for feeding a plurality of plastic bodies into the cavity. A blower produces a sufficient air flow through the mandrel cavity for moving the plurality of plastic bodies to substantially fill the void space so that the pipe emerges from the front opening of the mandrel surrounded by the plurality of plastic bodies. A sleeve feeder feeds a continuous sleeve of netting over the plurality of plastic bodies and the vent pipe emerging through the front opening of the mandrel to form a drainage line. A separator is positioned downstream from the front opening for fastening the continuous s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.