Patents Examined by Kenneth M. Jones
  • Patent number: 6136422
    Abstract: Multi-ply tissue product is bonded by an adhesive spray whose position is controlled so that the web path distance between the spray application and the location where the webs are forced together permits sprayed adhesive to partially but not completely set during travel over that web path distance at operating web speeds. Typically, the web path distance between the nozzle and the location is more than 140 inches. The webs are positioned one in back of the other and each is unwound onto its own carrier roll, with the spray positioned between the carrier rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Eatern Pulp & Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph B. Lichtenberg, Joseph H. Torras, Sr., Eric C. Taylor, Michael Brown
  • Patent number: 6132664
    Abstract: A method of forming a seal in a confined configuration with a moisture curable, alkoxy-functional RTV composition. The method comprises the steps of: (i) applying to a first substrate comprising a grooved substantially flat surface a moisture curable alkoxy-functional RTV composition; (ii) positioning the grooved substantially flat surface in occluding proximity with a substantially flat surface of a second substrate, so the alkoxy-functional RTV composition effects a seal therebetween; (iii) exposing the alkoxy-functional RTV composition to a detrimental temperature; and (iv) curing the alkoxy-functional RTV composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Lee Freiberg, Richard Alan Palmer
  • Patent number: 6126873
    Abstract: Molding compositions for shaping parts from stainless steel powders are disclosed. The process comprises the steps of forming a mixture comprising stainless steel powder, a gel-forming material having a gel strength, measured at a temperature between 0.degree. C. and about 30.degree. C. and a gel comprising about 1.5 wt % of the gel-forming material and water, of at least about 200 g/cm2, and water, and molding the mixture at a temperature sufficient to produce a self-supporting article comprising the powder and gel. The preferred gel-forming material is an agaroid and the preferred molding process is injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Sean Zedalis, Rick Duyckinck, Brian Snow, Anthony Fanelli, Joan Virginia Burlew
  • Patent number: 6120728
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device to compact parts with an undercut out of powder metal, including a pair of dies linearly moveable relative to one another and then phased, and an associated linearly displaceable pair of punches to produce said parts with said undercut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Stackpole Limited
    Inventors: Gerd Hinzmann, Mark Haiko, Keith Bukley-Golder, Robert Round, Alan Wilson, Frank Ma
  • Patent number: 6117374
    Abstract: A powder feed apparatus and a control method thereof for a powder molding press wherein in feeding powder from a hopper of the powder feed apparatus to a feeder slidably disposed on a die plate of the press proper and charging powder into a die in the die plate the feeder is electronically controlled to a correct position on the die. Powder is fed from a powder feed apparatus into a feeder slidably disposed on a die plate of a press proper and a feeder drive motor is servo-controlled by an output obtained by comparing detection outputs from a position detector for detecting the vertical position of the die plate of the press proper and a position detector for detecting the position of the feeder in its sliding direction. As a result, it is possible to avoid the trouble of changing cams or inserting insert cams every time the shape of the compact being molded changes and it is possible to easily make changes to the movement speed of the feeder in correspondence with changes to the compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Tamagawa Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Kaneko, Kazutami Takahashi, Kiyoshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6113818
    Abstract: A method of integrating organic fibers with mineral fibers includes centrifuging organic fibers from molten organic material, using a rotating organic fiber spinner, directing the organic fibers into a downwardly moving veil of organic fibers and gases, with the veil having an inwardly converging shape as it moves downward, centrifuging mineral fibers from molten mineral material using a rotary mineral fiber spinner positioned concentrically within the downwardly moving veil of organic fibers, directing the mineral fibers into a downwardly moving veil of mineral fibers and gases within the veil of organic fibers, wherein the veil of mineral fibers intersects with the veil of organic fibers to integrate the mineral fibers with the organic fibers, and collecting the integrated mineral fibers and organic fibers as a fibrous pack. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Pellegrin, Dennis C. Souers, James E. Loftus
  • Patent number: 6114407
    Abstract: Methods of sulfonating a polymer are provided. One method of sulfonating a polymer includes exposing sulfur dioxide and oxygen to free radical producing energy and contacting the polymer with the product of preceding step. Desirably, the steps of exposing sulfur dioxide and oxygen to free radical producing energy and contacting the polymer with this product are performed in a reduced pressure environment. Another method of sulfonating a polymer includes contacting the polymer with sulfur dioxide and oxygen and exposing the contacted polymer to free radical producing energy. The polymer may be contacted with a mixture of sulfur dioxide and oxygen or the polymer may be separately contacted with sulfur dioxide and oxygen. When the polymer is separately contacted with sulfur dioxide and oxygen, the polymer may first be contacted with sulfur dioxide and then contacted with oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Myers
  • Patent number: 6113842
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of manufacturing oriented cellulose films by spinning non-derivated cellulose dissolved in amino oxides into a precipitating bath. The cellulose solution is extruded downward through a film-blowing nozzle and an external air gap into the precipitating bath. The spun cellulose film can be inflated after exiting the film-blowing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Forderung Der Angewandten Forschung E. V.
    Inventors: Peter Weigel, Hans-Peters Fink, Konrad Frigge, Wolfgang Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6110408
    Abstract: A material assembly of a wear proof element used in a rotary axis structure and the method thereof, wherein the wear proof element used in a rotary axis structure comprises Nylon, glass fiber and Teflon of a predetermined ratio. After heating, drying, and injection to these material, a wear proof element used in a rotary axis structure. Thereby, a wear proof element with an adjustable twisting force, wear proof ability, and without adding lubricate oil is obtained. Also, the cost is reduced and lifetime thereof is prolonged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Chin Fu Horng
  • Patent number: 6106753
    Abstract: A method for making shaped articles at room ambient temperatures without the addition of extraneous heat comprising the sequential steps:(1) forming a plurality of particles comprising a foamed admixture of starch, biodegradable polymer and water;(2) at room ambient temperature, applying to the surface of the particles finely divided drops of unheated water to effect wetting and softening of the outer surfaces of the particles;(3) without the addition of heat, compressing the surfaces of the surface softened particles to effect cohesion between the wetted outer surfaces of the particles, densification of the particles and formation of a shaped article; and(4) without the addition of heat, maintaining the particles under such compression for a time sufficient to render the outer surface of the particles nontacky by adsorption of water into the particles and by evaporation of water from the surface of the particles and(5) forming a protective skin on the outer surface of the compressed, non-tacky particles by h
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Environmental Packing LP
    Inventors: Randall Vann Redd, Don Boyd Schiewetz, Donald Mark Cyron
  • Patent number: 6106754
    Abstract: A polishing pad having a substantially uniform, continuously interconnected porous surface. The pad can be produced by pressure sintering powder compacts of thermoplastic polymer at a temperature above the glass transition temperature but not exceeding the melting point of the polymer. The sintering process is conducted in a mold at a pressure in excess of 100 psi (0.07 MPa). In a preferred version, a mixture of two polymer powders is used, where one polymer has a lower melting point than the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Rodel Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Melbourne Cook, David B. James, Charles William Jenkins, Heinz F. Reinhardt, John V. H. Roberts, Raj Raghav Pillai
  • Patent number: 6099791
    Abstract: Porous fluoropolymer films, such as PTFE films, formed by a method including the steps of (a) forming a fluoropolymer (e.g., PTFE) paste, (b) extruding, calendaring, or otherwise processing the paste to form a film extrudate, (c) causing the film extrudate to be calendared in a first directional axis, (d) subsequently calendaring the film extrudate in a second directional axis which is different from the first directional axis, (e) subsequently calendaring the film extrudate in at least one additional directional axis which is different from said first and second directional axes, thereby forming a multiaxially calendared film extrudate, (f) drying the multiaxially calendared film extrudate, and (g) radially expanding the multiaxially calendared film extrudate to form a radially oriented fluoropolymer (e.g., PTFE) film. The porous fluoropolymer films formed by this method are multiaxially oriented and exhibit isotropic strength properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Shannon, John McIntyre, Chris Kuo, Chris McCollam, Robert Peterson
  • Patent number: 6099680
    Abstract: Methods of improving the bondability of thermoplastic plastic substrates are described. In the methods, a bondable substrate is adhered to a thermoplastic plastic material of choice through mechanical, thermal, or chemical procedures, resulting in bond-enhanced thermoplastic materials. In one example, a urethane honeycomb panel with bond enhancement substrates is described. Thermoplastic panels with bond enhancement layers are laminated to secondary materials such as metal or plastic by applying an adhesive to the bond enhancement layer and adhering the secondary material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventors: Jay Harris, Robert Seifried
  • Patent number: 6092554
    Abstract: Hoses are often reinforced with fabric to improve their performance characteristics, such as burst strength. For instance, radiator hose used in automotive applications is generally reinforced with continuous yarn. However, it is a labor-intensive process to manufacture such hoses which include fiber reinforcements. A substantial amount of material waste also generally occurs in the manufacture of such fiber-reinforced hose. By utilizing the technique of this invention, hose which has a high level of burst strength can be manufactured without including continuous yarn reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Kevin James Pyle, Mark Samuel Sinsky, Paul Harry Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 6090333
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the chemical modification of solids containing alkyl groups. It is provided that the solids containing alkyl groups are heated to temperatures above their melting point and subjected to a plasma treatment in a frequency range from 10 kHz to 10 GHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Arplas Gesellschaft fur Plasmatechnologie GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Berger
  • Patent number: 6086804
    Abstract: Bamboo fibers are utilized to serve as a reinforcing material and for manufacturing an inorganic molded body. In order to produce the bamboo fibers with excellent durability, in a first step bamboo material is compressed to be roughly crushed and in a second step the roughly crushed bamboo material is fiberized using a grinding machine. The moisture content of the bamboo material subjected to the first step is set to be more than 65%. After the completion of at least one of the first and second steps a drying step is taken so that the moisture content of the bamboo material is adjusted to within the range of 3 to 35%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: ASK Corporation
    Inventors: Norihito Akiyama, Shoichiro Irie
  • Patent number: 6083438
    Abstract: A process for preparing a composition suitable for use as an excipient for tabletting comprising the following steps is disclosed;a) mixing of erythritol and sorbitol in a dry form,b) heating up to a temperature where the mixed products are melted,c) cooling the product,d) milling the cooled product to obtain a composition having a desired particle size.Additionally tablets obtained after direct compression of an erythritol/sorbitol mixture are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Cerestar Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Michel Henri Andre Gonze, Jean-Claude Marie-Pierre Ghislain De Troostembergh
  • Patent number: 6074586
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing tablets of moist powder which is produced by adding an additive agent such as an excipient or a binder to medical ingredients, further adding a solvent such as water, ethanol or the like, and kneading the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Sankyo Seisakusho & Eisai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heizaburo Kato, Yuki Tsushima, Takayuki Ohwaki, Masaharu Nakajima, Yutaka Morita
  • Patent number: 6071459
    Abstract: A metathesis polymerized polyolefin article is provided which includes a flame-retarding agent. The method of making the article includes polymerizing an olefin monomer via a metathesis polymerization reaction in the presence of a one-part metathesis polymerization catalyst and a compatible flame-retarding agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Warner, Michael A. Giardello
  • Patent number: 6071444
    Abstract: A method of producing a perforation pattern in a slab of thermoplastic propellant material and the material produced includes subjecting the slab to a perforating press operation in which the press has a patterned array of fixed perforating members arranged according to a first pattern coordinated with a system for advancing and incrementally indexing the slab through the press is used to perforate the slab to create a desired second, denser perforation pattern by subjecting the slab to a series of perforation actions by the patterned array of perforating means coordinated with the indexing of the slab through the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Worrell, Jr., David A. Worrell, II, Joseph M. Donckers