David B Triplett

US Patent:

6719942, Apr 13, 2004

Filed:

Sep 7, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/656744

Inventors:

David A. Triplett - Cleveland TN 37312
Gary Winner - Cleveland TN 37311
Tom McKeehan - Cleveland TN 37312
Claude R. Ellis - Cleveland TN 37312

International Classification:

B29C 5352

US Classification:

264508, 264568, 2642094, 425195, 425233, 4253261, 425336, 425369, 425384, 425388, 425396

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for producing an extruded product includes a machine that cooperates with an extruder. The machine is commonly used as a corrugator and the extruded product is often corrugated piping. The machine has a frame supporting a trackway in a continuous path. A plurality of mold block assemblies travel about the continuous path to form a mold tunnel along a portion of the continuous path. The mold block assemblies include a carriage connected by at least one guide and linear bearings to a pair of mold holders. The mold holders are connected to at least one pair of opposing mold blocks. Guides and directors position the mold block pairs relative to one another while the assemblies travel along the continuous path. As the holders, and thus the mold block halves, are linearly displaceable from one another, the halves may meet to form the mold tunnel and separate to allow removal of the extruded product.