Precision article molding methods and apparatus
US6875384B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2011/0016
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved molding apparatus and method includes an adjustable mold component and a fixed mold component for molding precision articles; a bias force mechanism for applying a bias force to the adjustable mold component; and an adjustable mold component fine position adjustment mechanism operable exteriorly of the mold for applying a position adjustment force to the adjustable mold component to overcome the bias force and thereby adjust position of the adjustable mold component relative to a fixed mold component to reduce positional offset in a range of ±ten microns, or less, in at least one adjustment dimension. In one aspect, a plurality of bias force mechanisms and adjustment mechanisms provide positional adjustment in a plurality of adjustment dimensions. In another aspect, a feedback control loop responsive to optically sensed positional error automatically reduces positional offset.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.