Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

University of Wisconsin-stout Manufacturing Laboratory

Manufacturing Laboratory

Charles E Yost

Brent English

Ulo H Vaher

Larry D Hjelter

Alan Eke

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 container closure is provided for initially hermetically sealing a container and for thereafter reclosing the container. The closure includes a top wall with a hinged flap portion and a locking segment for engaging and retaining the flap when it is depressed downwardly to reclose the container. A portion of the peripheral edge of the flap is initially defined by a frangible seal. Once the frangible seal has been ruptured, the flap can be pivoted about its hinge to open the container and provide access to its contents. Between uses, the flap is depressed downwardly past a flange which projects from the locking wall. The flange holds the flap closed until a positive opening force is applied to the flap.

Initially sealed reclosable container closure

A closure for a liquid or a semi-liquid fuel can having an ignitable wick is provided. The wick is mounted to the can closure with a coil spring structure so that the wick can be depressed and extended relative to the upper surface of the can closure. A recessed portion is defined in the upper surface of the canned closure for receiving the wick in its depressed condition and the compressed wick is retained therewithin with a peelable seal. Removal of the peelable seal allows the wick and coil stem assembly to extend to an operating position wherein the wick can be easily ignited.

Liquid fuel wick system

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.

Growing community of inventors

Menomonie, WI, United States of America

Charles E Yost