Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Manufacturing Laboratory

Brent English

Charles E Yost

Alan Eke

Ulo H Vaher

Larry D Hjelter

Marc Kruger

Charles G Brey

A molding process and apparatus produces molded parts from cellulosic fibers. A dry process molds cellulosic fibers including the steps of mixing the cellulosic fibers and a binder to form a substantially homogeneous mixture; distributing the mixture to a desired pre-form, preferably having a non-uniform cross-section; and molding the pre-form, under a predetermined pressure and heat, to form a molded part having a substantially uniform density. A distribution assembly distributes the mixture to a desired pre-form by rotational and/or vibrational motion. The rotor on the upper surface of the telescoping portion of the distribution assembly cylindrically rotates to mechanically move the mixture in a desired pre-form shape. The rotor may be unevenly weighted such that as it rotates, the distribution assembly vibrates thereby mechanically distributing the mixture by causing it to settle in the cartridge in the desired pre-form shape.

Rotational and vibrational process for molding cellulosic fibers

A tamper-evident end closure for dispensers, including a hermetically sea base, a rotor having a normally occurring unrestrained non-flat shape, and a rotatable connection between the rotor and the base to hold the rotor on the base in a substantially flat condition so it can rotate. The rotatable connection is achieved by employing an annular attachment ring, formed on the rotor snap-fit into an annular groove molded into the base. The annular attachment ring is connected to the rotor by a frangible web, which will break or tear when an attempt is made to separate the rotor from the base. Because the rotor is formed with a normally occurring non-flat shape, tearing or breaking of the frangible web will allow a portion of the rotor, normally held by the attachment ring, to spring or bend toward its natural shape. This unrestrained portion provides striking evidence of the tampering attempt.

Tamper-evident rotor top

A cooking fuel can closure is provided wherein at least one aperture is defined through the upper surface of the can and a peelable seal such as a thin metal foil is secured by, for example, adhesive to the upper surface of the can peripherally of the opening through the can. Further, a plurality of peripheral openings can be defined about a central aperture in the can so as to facilitate flow of oxygen to the burning fuel thereby using less fuel while still obtaining the same or better burn efficiency of the cooking fuel. Finally, a wick element can be provided centrally of the cooking can closure in a concave portion which is peripherally sealed prior to use by a peelable seal so as to prevent leakage therethrough.

Cooking fuel can closure

Growing community of inventors

Eau Claire, WI, United States of America

Brent English