Patents Examined by Frank Vineis
  • Patent number: 9406414
    Abstract: An insulated wire for vehicle use includes a conductor and an insulating layer disposed on an outer circumference of the conductor. The insulating layer comprises a halogen-free flame retardant cross-linkable resin composition containing a base polymer, and a silane coupling agent and a metal hydroxide which are added to the base polymer. The base polymer includes, as major components, (a) an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and (b) an acid-modified olefin resin having a Tg of ?55° C. or lower at a ratio (a):(b) of 70:30 to 100:0 and has an acetic acid content (VA) of 50% to 70% by mass. The silane-coupling agent is added in an amount of 1 to 5 parts by mass and the metal hydroxide is added in an amount of 100 to 250 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the base polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Iwasaki, Kentaro Segawa, Hitoshi Kimura
  • Patent number: 9399829
    Abstract: A composite cord includes a rubber core and a rubber sheath surrounding, at least in part, the rubber core. A formulation of the core is different from that of the sheath. The rubber core includes at least one diene elastomer and more than 30 phr of a filler A. The filler A includes nanoparticles having a weight-average size of less than 500 nm. The rubber sheath includes at least one diene elastomer, from 0 to less than 30 phr of a filler A?, and more than 70 phr of a filler B. The filler A? includes nanoparticles having a weight-average size of less than 500 nm. The filler B includes microparticles having a weight-median size of greater than 1 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Denis Hidrot, Vincent Abad
  • Patent number: 9394631
    Abstract: A core-sheath composite fiber includes a core component including an easily alkaline elutable polyester with a main repeating unit constructed of ethylene terephthalate containing 2.0 to 5.5 mol % of an isophthalic acid component containing a metal sulfonate group relative to a total acid component and 3.0 to 6.0 mol % of an adipic acid component relative to the total acid component, and a sheath component including a polyamide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Junichi Mizota, Takashi Ida, Hidetoshi Takanaga
  • Patent number: 9394633
    Abstract: A fiber bundle is provided that strikes an excellent balance among the properties and performance of the web and articles manufactured using this web, the productivity, processability, and cost. The fiber bundle comprising continuous fibers aligned in one direction is characterized in that the continuous fibers have crimps that form peaks and valleys in the width direction of the fiber bundle, and these crimps have a characteristic value A, defined as the absolute value of a slope with respect to the length direction of the fiber bundle of a straight line that connects the vertex of the peak with the vertex of the valley of adjacent crimps present in a single continuous fiber, of at least 0.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignees: ES FIBERVISIONS CO., LTD., ES FIBERVISIONS HONG KONG LIMITED, ES FIBERVISIONS LP, ES FIBERVISIONS APS
    Inventors: Yukiharu Shimotsu, Takayuki Nishitani
  • Patent number: 9375894
    Abstract: An article of manufacture according to one embodiment includes a plurality of plies in a stacked configuration, where each ply includes a plurality of tape winds having edges. A distance between the edges of adjacent tape winds in the same ply is about constant along a length of the wind. Each tape wind comprises elongated fibers and a matrix, axes of the fibers being oriented about parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tape wind. Additional systems, methods and articles of manufacture are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew H. Weisberg
  • Patent number: 9322115
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous electrospun fiber with uniform minute pores and very large surface area, and thus porous electrospun fiber can be preferably applicable to various uses that need mesoporous materials, and a method of preparing the same. The porous electrospun fiber comprises an acrylamide-based polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: LG CHEM, LTD., IUCF-HYU (Industry University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University)
    Inventors: Yang-Kyoo Han, Su-Hwa Kim, Je-Gwon Lee
  • Patent number: 9312053
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composite insulator (1) having a core (2), in particular made of a fiber-reinforced duromer, and a protective layer (8) which surrounds the core (2) and is made in particular of an insulating elastomer. In some sections, especially on the bottom side of screens (4), the protective layer (8) specifically includes particles (7) that influence the field of the insulator (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Lapp Insulators GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Hinrichsen, Jens Seifert
  • Patent number: 9290640
    Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is provided that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a dedusting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Hawkins, Jesus M. Hernandez-Torres, Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 9284474
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to additives used in conjunction with adhesives to give enhanced performance. Engineered composite wood materials and methods of making such materials are also provided by the subject application. A reinforced adhesive includes an adhesive and an additive material comprising nanoscopic and microscopic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Siqun Wang, Cheng Xing
  • Patent number: 9281098
    Abstract: A dry type electrical insulation is provided. The insulation includes a base fiber having an outer surface and a first melting point and a binder material, coated onto the outer surface of the base fiber, having a second melting point. In this insulation, the second melting point is lower than the first melting point. A dry type insulation matrix is also provided. The insulation matrix includes a plurality of composite fibers having a base fiber having a first melting point and a binder material co-extruded therewith, having a second melting point. In this insulation matrix, the second melting point is lower than the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Waukesha Electric Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Golner, Shirish P. Mehta, H. Jin Sim
  • Patent number: 9208920
    Abstract: A unitary graphene matrix composite comprising: (a) a unitary graphene matrix containing an oxygen content of 0.001% to 10% by weight, obtained from heat-treating a graphene oxide gel at a temperature higher than 100° C. and contains no discrete graphene platelets derived from the graphene oxide gel; (b) a carbon or graphite filler phase selected from carbon or graphite fiber, carbon or graphite nano-fiber, carbon nano-tube, carbon nano-rod, meso-phase carbon particle, meso-carbon micro-bead, exfoliated graphite flake with a thickness greater than 100 nm, exfoliated graphite or graphite worm, coke particle, needle coke, carbon black or acetylene black particle, activated carbon particle, or a combination thereof. The carbon or graphite filler phase is preferably in a particulate, filamentary, or rod-like form dispersed in and bonded by the unitary graphene matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Mingchao Wang, Wei Xiong, Bor Z. Jang
  • Patent number: 9200405
    Abstract: The invention relates to cord (20) comprising a number of filaments twisted together. The peripheral surface of the cord (20) is at least partially coated with an adhesion promoting coating (24). The adhesion promoting coating (24) comprises at least a first layer comprising a silicon based coating, a titanium based coating, a zirconium based coating or a combination thereof. The invention further relates to a composite material comprising such a cord (20) embedded in a polymer material. Furthermore the invention relates to a method to manufacture such a cord (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: NV BEKAERT SA
    Inventors: Tom Baekelandt, Roland Groenen, Kris Van Hege
  • Patent number: 9174410
    Abstract: A prepreg comprising resin and at least one fiber layer and further comprising an electrically insulating layer and an electrically conducting layer is provided, and particularly wherein the conductive layer is at or near the top surface, beneath that is the insulating layer and beneath that is a fiber/resin interleaf structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: Hexcel Composites Limited, Technical Fibre Products Limited
    Inventors: Martin Simmons, Michael Jeschke
  • Patent number: 9169581
    Abstract: Processes for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMW PE”) filaments and multi-filament yarns, and the yarns and articles produced therefrom. Each process produces UHMW PE yarns having tenacities of 45 g/denier to 60 g/denier or more at commercially viable throughput rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Tam, John Armstrong Young, Ralf Klein, Mark Tallent, Henry Gerard Ardiff
  • Patent number: 9096019
    Abstract: A scrim-reinforced prepreg assembly for use in building low-porosity lay-ups. The assembly includes a prepreg that is composed of a fibrous reinforcement and a heat-curable resin mixture, the prepreg having suitable viscosity and sufficient tackiness to hold a scrim which is adhered to the prepreg by applying light pressure. The scrim is impressed onto the prepreg to such a degree, that less than half of the circumference of the scrim strands becomes coated by the heat-curable resin mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Hexcel Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Kruger, Gerhard Entholzer
  • Patent number: 9090779
    Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein which, in some embodiments, can improve or enhance the oil and soiling resistance of textile fibers, including fibers used in carpet and floor coverings. A composition described herein, in some embodiments, comprises a fluoropolymer component, a hydrophilic soil release polymeric component and a hardening component comprising one or more polymeric species having a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than about 85° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: PEACH STATE LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Ralph R Sargent, Michael S Williams, Michael Grigat, Billy Lee Hullender, Steve Allen
  • Patent number: 9074303
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to develop a polypropylene nonwoven fabric which is excellent in both of initial hydrophilicity and long-lasting hydrophilicity, that is, which is excellent in initial hydrophilicity that the nonwoven fabric exhibits hydrophilicity in a short time after it is produced and long-lasting hydrophilicity that the nonwoven fabric recovers hydrophilicity in a short time even if it is subjected to heat treatment. The present invention provides fibers of a propylene copolymer composition which comprises 100 parts by weight of a propylene/?-olefin random copolymer having a melting point (Tm) of 125 to 155° C. and 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of a nonionic surface active agent comprising an alkylene oxide adduct of an aliphatic alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUI CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Masuda, Yoshihisa Kawakami, Hisashi Morimoto
  • Patent number: 9062393
    Abstract: The present invention has an object of providing a novel multilayer composite fiber using polyacetal mainly derived from methanol, which is a petroleum-independent raw material, and having a low environmental load, and also providing a nonwoven fabric obtained by thermally bonding such fibers. According to the present invention, a multilayer composite fiber comprising a resin containing polylactic acid as a main component and a resin containing polyacetal as a main component, in which the components both form continuous layers in an axial direction of the fiber, and also a nonwoven fabric obtained by thermally bonding such fibers, can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Ito, Satoshi Nagai
  • Patent number: 9061904
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a cellulose-sheathed carbon nanotube fiber. One aspect of the invention provides a sheathed nanotube fiber comprising: a carbon nanotube fiber; and a cellulose sheath extending co-axially along at least a first portion of a length of the carbon nanotube fiber. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of forming a sheathed carbon nanotube fiber, the method comprising: co-electrospinning a carbon nanotube fiber gel core within a cellulose solution sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Rennsselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Minoru Miyauchi, Jianjun Miao, Trevor J. Simmons, Jong-Won Lee, Thomas V. Doherty, Jonathan S. Dordick, Robert J. Linhardt
  • Patent number: 9005723
    Abstract: A filament for use in an artificial grass field, wherein the filament has a front and a back surface and at least one of the front surface and back surface includes a plurality of adjacent concave indentations extending generally from a first end to a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Tarkett Inc.
    Inventors: Thorsten Emge, Juergen Morton-Finger