Patents by Inventor Brian G. Morin
Brian G. Morin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20040086712Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Jack A. Smith
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Publication number: 20040086702Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Jack A. Smith
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Publication number: 20040084802Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Jack A. Smith
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Fabrics comprising low-shrink polypropylene tape fibers comprising high amounts of nucleating agents
Publication number: 20040087233Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such tape fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. These inventive tape fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of relatively high amounts of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Jack A. Smith -
Publication number: 20040007794Abstract: Improved polypropylene fibers exhibiting greatly reduced heat- and moisture-shrink problems and including certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene fiber after heat-setting are disclosed herein. In such a manner, the “rigidifying” compounds provide nucleation sites for polypropylene crystal growth. After drawing the nucleated composition into fiber form, the fiber is then exposed to sufficient heat to grow the crystalline network, thus holding the fiber in a desired position. The preferred “rigidifying” compounds include dibenzylidene sorbitol based compounds, as well as less preferred compounds, such as sodium benzoate, certain sodium and lithium phosphate salts (such as sodium 2,2′-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, otherwise known as NA-11).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Nathan A. Mehl, William S. Parks
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Patent number: 6668435Abstract: A lightweight loop pile fabric having improved particle pick-up is described. In addition, a patterned loop pile fabric is described. The fabric has a plurality of multifilament loops extending from at least one of its surfaces, with at least some of the loops being teased. In one embodiment, the loops are formed from splittable multifilament yarns which are hypersplit during the manufacturing process to form teased loops. The fabrics perform particularly well in the manufacture of wiping cloths with enhanced performance characteristics. In addition, the fabrics enable the production of patterned articles having performance characteristics similar to or exceeding those of unpatterned goods. A process for making the fabrics is also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Maynard Wood, Heather Jean Hayes, Michael Paul Sasser, Brian G. Morin
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Patent number: 6656404Abstract: Improved polypropylene fibers exhibiting greatly reduced heat- and moisture-shrink problems and including certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene fiber after heat-setting are disclosed herein. In such a manner, the “rigidifying” compounds provide nucleation sites for polypropylene crystal growth. After drawing the nucleated composition into fiber form, the fiber is then exposed to sufficient heat to grow the crystalline network, thus holding the fiber in a desired position. The preferred “rigidifying” compounds include dibenzylidene sorbitol based compounds, as well as less preferred compounds, such as sodium beuzoate, certain sodium and lithium phosphate salts (such as sodium 2,2′-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, otherwise known as NA-11).Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Brian G. Morin, Nathan A. Mehl, William S. Parks
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Publication number: 20030216498Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene fibers. Such fibers require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene fiber after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling. In such a manner, the “rigidifying” nucleator compounds provide nucleation sites for polypropylene crystal growth. After drawing the nucleated composition into fiber form, the fiber is then exposed to sufficient heat to grow the crystalline network, thus holding the fiber in a desired position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Nathan A. Mehl, William S. Parks
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Publication number: 20030175474Abstract: A pile fabric suitable for use as a primary carpet fabric within a carpet construction or composite such as a cushioned carpet or tile. The primary carpet fabric includes a plurality of pile-forming yarns tufted through or adhered to a primary backing of integral dimensionally stable character. A cushioning layer of foam, felt, fabric, or other suitable cushioning material may be disposed at a position below the primary carpet fabric.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Kenneth B. Higgins, Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan
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Publication number: 20030175475Abstract: Constructions for surface coverings such as wall coverings or floor coverings are provided. Components for surface coverings, precursors, materials, and the like are also provided. In one embodiment, a pile fabric suitable for use as a primary carpet fabric within a carpet construction or composite such as a cushioned carpet or tile includes a plurality of pile-forming yarns tufted through or adhered to a primary backing of integral dimensionally stable character. A cushioning layer of foam, felt, fabric, or other suitable cushioning material may be disposed at a position below the primary carpet fabric.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Kenneth B. Higgins, Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan
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Publication number: 20030134118Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. Such fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Kenneth B. Higgins
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Publication number: 20030134082Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. Such fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber after beat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Kenneth Higgins
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Publication number: 20030127768Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. Such fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Martin E. Cowan, Kenneth E. Higgins
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Publication number: 20030069341Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene fibers. Such fibers require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene fiber after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling. In such a manner, the “rigidifying” nucleator compounds provide nucleation sites for polypropylene crystal growth. After drawing the nucleated composition into fiber form, the fiber is then exposed to sufficient heat to grow the crystalline network, thus holding the fiber in a desired position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Nathan A. Mehl, William S. Parks
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Patent number: 6541554Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene fibers. Such fibers require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene fiber after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling. In such a manner, the “rigidifying” nucleator compounds provide nucleation sites for polypropylene crystal growth. After drawing the nucleated composition into fiber form, the fiber is then exposed to sufficient heat to grow the crystalline network, thus holding the fiber in a desired position.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Brian G. Morin, Nathan A. Mehl, William S. Parks
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Patent number: 6534574Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of bicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptane dicarboxylate salts in order to provide highly desirable properties within polyolefin articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such polyolefin, provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and calcium stearate compatibility within target polyolefin. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Polyolefin additive compositions and methods of producing polyolefin with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson, Brian G. Morin, Brian M. Burkhart, Martin E. Cowan, Jeffrey R. Jones
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Publication number: 20030027907Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene fibers. Such fibers require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene fiber after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling. In such a manner, the “rigidifying” nucleator compounds provide nucleation sites for polypropylene crystal growth. After drawing the nucleated composition into fiber form, the fiber is then exposed to sufficient heat to grow the crystalline network, thus holding the fiber in a desired position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Nathan A. Mehl, William S. Parks
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Publication number: 20030021944Abstract: A base substrate having a first side and a second side, first and second receiving loops extending from the first and second side of the base substrate, respectively, and first and second stiff loops extending from the first and second side of the base substrate, respectively. The base substrate is a flexible cloth or cloth-like material. The receiving loops are an absorbent material such as the material used in the base substrate. The stiff loops are formed of a yarn having at least one filament with a cross-section having an aspect ratio of greater than about 1.2, a corner edge, and/or at least a concave portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2000Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Michael P. Sasser, Heather J. Hayes
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Publication number: 20030008142Abstract: Improved polypropylene fibers exhibiting greatly reduced heat- and moisture-shrink problems are provided. Such fibers require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene fiber after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropyelene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling. In such a manner, the “rigidifying” nucleator compounds provide nucleation sites for polypropylene crystal growth. After drawing the nucleated composition into fiber form, the fiber is then exposed to sufficient heat to grow the crystalline network, thus holding the fiber in a desired position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Nathan A. Mehl, Martin E. Cowan, William S. Parks
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Patent number: 6497954Abstract: This invention relates to a method of promoting the adhesion of textiles to rubber compounds through a vinyl compound plasma pre-treatment procedure and a subsequent application of resorcinol-formaldehyde latex (RFL) to the textile surface. The inventive method encompasses a process through which free radicals of compounds comprising strong carbon-carbon bonds form a film over textile films and then covalently bonded to the resin component of the RFL. Such a method thus produces an extremely strong and versatile adhesive that facilitates adhesion between rubber compounds and heretofore unusable or difficult-to-use textiles. The resultant textile/rubber composites are utilized as reinforcements within such materials as automobile tires, fan belts, conveyor belts, and the like. Such materials and composites are also contemplated within this invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Brian G. Morin, Dany Felix Maria Michiels, Brenda D. Wentz