Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Carol A. Lewis White
  • Patent number: 6802879
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved vacuum collection bag for vacuum cleaners and other appliances. By employing an impermeable bag and an air-permeable particle separator together with a tight seal against a vacuum system dirt tube in place of a conventional paper bag filter, it has been determined that the vacuum cleaner bag can be reused and significantly improve the filtration performance of the vacuum system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John James Scanlon
  • Patent number: 6712887
    Abstract: A gas adsorption filter located over a breathing hole within a semi airtight container, wherein the gas adsorption filter has an opening that is connected with and open to the breather hole and, comprises a base material for attaching the filter to the inner wall of the container and a gas adsorption body that is laminated and fixed to the gas flow path surface of the base material, and on the gas contact surface on the side where the gas adsorption body is in contact with the gas flow path surface of the base material, there is at least one gas inflow orifice that is connected to the opening of the base material, and at least one gas discharge orifice that is connected to the outside of the gas adsorption body, and a groove section is formed that is connected to the gas inflow orifice and the gas discharge orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Japan Gore-Tex, Inc.
    Inventors: Takuya Ueki, Yutaka Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6709493
    Abstract: A venting device that reduces the moisture of an enclosure containing a heat source and prevents the entrance of water or other liquids and contamination from entering the enclosure. The moisture reducing device comprises a drying agent or desiccant which is adjacent to said heat source (such as an automotive headlamp bulb or thermally cycling device), an air-impermeable, water-vapor permeable layer, a vent that allows bulk flow of air during thermal cycling of the heat source and a internal diffusion tube or channel that limits the entrance of moisture vapor from the external atmosphere to the drying agent or desiccant. The air-impermeable, water vapor permeable layer allows for continuous diffusion of water vapor, reducing the moisture in the enclosure when the heat source is de-energized. The location of the device to the heat source regenerates the drying agent in the device when the heat source is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. DeGuiseppi, Kerry L. DeWitt, Amy Elizabeth Johnson
  • Patent number: 6688128
    Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignees: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc, W. L. Gore & Associates (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark John Robbie, David Myers
  • Patent number: 6644042
    Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignees: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc, W. L. Gore & Associates (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark John Robbie, David Myers
  • Patent number: 6644040
    Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignees: Gore Enterprise Holdings. Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark John Robbie, David Myers
  • Patent number: 6622512
    Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignees: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark John Robbie, David Myers
  • Patent number: 6622493
    Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignees: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark John Robbie, David Myers
  • Patent number: 6526761
    Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignees: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark John Robbie, David Myers
  • Patent number: 6517612
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a continuously cleanable, high performance filtration apparatus and a method for using the apparatus. The apparatus is a radial inflow centrifugal filtration device, which includes a filter element located within a chamber and rotatably coupled to a filtered fluid outlet in a bulkhead that abuts the chamber. The filter element is generally tubular, its side-walls encircling and, thus, defining an interior plenum. The filter element side-walls incorporate a filter media, preferably a laminated microporous membrane filter media. The filter element is rotatably coupled at the filtered fluid outlet by a seal which can maintain a seal as filter element rotates. Additionally, the device can include a boundary layer momentum transfer device made up of a plurality of stacked annular disks having central openings, each disk separated from adjacent disks by a desired gap. The central openings define a cavity in which the filter element is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Crouch, Steve Wright, Jeffrey Storm, Wai S. Poon, Stephen K. Stark, Daniel W. Thorpe, Glenn R. Voshell
  • Patent number: 6512834
    Abstract: A sound-transmissive cover assembly is disclosed which provides protection from the ambient environment to transducer devices, such as microphones, loudspeakers, buzzers, ringers and the like. The cover assembly has a microporous protective membrane that is captivated at the outer region near the edges between two adhesive support systems. An inner unbonded region surrounded by the bonded outer region is provided so that the protective membrane can displace or move in response to acoustic pressure waves. The protective membrane design in conjuction with the configuration allows sound energy to pass through the protective membrane with very low attenuation, while being able to withstand long-term exposure to liquid intrusion. An embodiment of the cover assembly includes an attached acoustic gasket so as to seal and focus acoustic energy to housing apertures or openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Anthony Banter, Brian G. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6508015
    Abstract: Breathable outsole (11) for footwear, in which the outsole has a two-layer structure. The two-layer structure contains an elastic and water vapor-permeable inner layer (1) and an outer layer (2) that covers less than 70% of the inner layer (1). The breathing activity of outsole (11) is guaranteed by the preferably microporous structure of inner layer (1) and the configuration of outer layer (2). The configuration of outer layer (2) is such that the surface of inner layer (1) available for water vapor exchange is restricted as little as possible. A microporous structure of insole (1) is achieved, for example, by a sintered plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Max Rauch
  • Patent number: 6427451
    Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates (UK) Ltd., Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark John Robbie, David Myers
  • Patent number: 6395073
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filtering contaminants, such as particulates and vapor phase contaminants, from a confined environment such as electronic or optical devices susceptible to contamination (e.g. computer disk drives) by incorporating multiple filtration functions into a unitary filter. Filtration functions include a combination of inlet, or breather, filter and recirculation filter. Moreover, adsorbent functions can be added to the filter depending on desired functionality within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin Dauber
  • Patent number: 6395383
    Abstract: This invention provides a selectively permeable protective covering capable of transmitting high quantities of water vapor while also being capable of significantly restricting the passage of noxious or harmful chemicals even under conditions of high humidification. The material of this invention provides the basis for creating protective garments and accessories suitable for application in the broad range of conditions likely to be encountered in realistic use scenarios. In its broadest aspect, the protective and water vapor permeable covering of this invention comprises a sheet of a polyamine polymer wherein at least 10% of the polyamine polymer amines are amine-acid moieties wherein the acidic species of said amine-acid moieties have a pKa less than 6.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen B. Maples
  • Patent number: 6361870
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coating material comprising condensates of at least one compound (A) of the general formula RaMZb (a=0-3; b=1-4; a+b=3, 4), where R is a non-hydrolyzable organic group, and at least one compound (B) of the general formula R′xMZy(x=1-3; y=1-3; x+y=3, 4), where R is a non-hydrolyzable organic group and at least one R′ contains a perfluoro polyether structure separated from M by at least two atoms, where M is an element from the periodic table of elements selected from the main groups III-V or from the subgroups II-IV and Z is a hydrolyzable organic group, and where at least one R is not equal to at least one R′.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventors: Rudolf Steffl, Reiner Kasemann, Wolfgang Burger
  • Patent number: 6334881
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved material which may be used as a filter media for gas filtration systems, such as for industrial gas streams and commercial or residential vacuum cleaners. The filter material comprises a filter media support bonded to a porous expanded PTFE membrane, and further comprising a screen material bonded to the porous expanded PTFE. The screen material protects the expanded PTFE surface against damage due to impingement of particles during operation of the gas filtration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Giannetta, Michael Debes
  • Patent number: 6331351
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved active filter material for use in removing target species such as NOx from a fluid stream. The filter of the present invention employs chemically active particles attached to a porous substrate by means of a polymer adhesive. A microporous layer is attached to at least one side of, or within, the porous substrate. The resulting filter material removes contaminates, such as dust, from the filter stream before the dust can clog active catalytic sites, as well as remove undesirable species by means of catalysis or reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle Waters, Marc Plinke
  • Patent number: 6296691
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved molded filter which performs multiple filtration functions within an enclosed environment, such as within a computer hard disk drive. In a first embodiment, the filter is capable of removing particulate contaminants from both incoming (external) air and recirculating air by performing both breather and recirculation functions when placed over a breather hole in a disk drive. In an alternative embodiment, the filter also incorporates an adsorbent material which allows it to remove both particulate and vapor phase contaminants from incoming (external) air and recirculating air within the disk drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajan Gidumal
  • Patent number: 6261678
    Abstract: This invention provides air impermeable liquid-water resistant water-vapor-permeable composites that are highly oleophobic and some of which have enhanced water-vapor-permeable properties. In its broadest aspect, the composites comprise: a layer of a microporous polymer that is water-vapor permeable and which is oleophobic, and which is liquid water-resistant. This layer is in contact with an air-impermeable, liquid water resistant, polymer layer that is permeable to water-vapor molecules. The oleophobic microporous polymer layer confers enhanced oleophobicity. In another aspect, a third layer of a microporous, water vapor permeable polymer can also be present on the other side of the air-impermeable polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventors: Rainer von Fragstein, Wolfgang Buerger, Rudolf Steffl, Wolfgang Zehnder