Patents by Inventor David P. Colvin
David P. Colvin 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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Patent number: 6938290Abstract: Impact energy forces to the spine are reduced through the use of multiple overlying pliable impact energy absorbing layers. Each layer comprises a plurality of cells that are in fluid communication which provides for a valved transfer of fluid between the cells. Additionally, each layer has a different durometer.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Inventors: Richard A. McKinney, Barbara J. McKinney, David P. Colvin
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Publication number: 20030204913Abstract: Impact energy forces to the spine are reduced through the use of multiple overlying pliable impact energy absorbing layers. Each layer comprises a plurality of cells that are in fluid communication which provides for a valved transfer of fluid between the cells. Additionally, each layer has a different durometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Richard A. McKinney, Barbara J. McKinney, David P. Colvin
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Patent number: 6418832Abstract: A body armor system having improved impact energy absorbing characteristics includes a projectile penetrant inhibiting layer and an impact energy absorbing layer positioned in overlying relation to one side of the projectile penetrant inhibiting layer such that the impact energy absorbing layer is adapted to absorb the impact energy from an incoming projectile. The impact energy absorbing layer spreads at least a portion of the impact energy in the plane of the impact energy absorbing layer. An anti-spalling layer is positioned on the opposite side of the projectile impact inhibiting layer. In another aspect of the invention, the impact energy absorbing layer contains a foam to further enhance impact energy absorption. Additionally, a temperature stabilizing means such as a phase change material is placed within the impact energy absorbing layer and provides thermal regulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Pyramid Technologies International, Inc.Inventor: David P. Colvin
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Patent number: 6373058Abstract: A method of camouflaging an object emitting infrared radiation by absorbing radiation or by altering its emissive pattern reduces its viewability by an infrared detector. An infrared radiation absorbing and/or altering layer containing microcapsules (10) is positioned proximate the infrared radiation source. The radiation is absorbed by means of a phase change material or plastic crystals. Concentrations and/or phase change materials are varied to enhance camouflage.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventors: Richard A. McKinney, Yvonne G. Bryant, David P. Colvin
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Patent number: 6298907Abstract: A support means or pad which is adapted to overlie an area to be thermally regulated. A plurality of microcapsules are dispersed within the support pad. The support means may be a porous pad or overlying layers of a mesh-type fabric. The fabric sheets include a series of channels which may be zig-zag in shape and are filled with a temperature stabilizing means, for example, a macroencapsulated phase change material. Suitable phase change materials are paraffinic hydrocarbons and water. In another aspect of the invention, the temperature stabilizing means is distributed within the support means in proportion to the underlying thermal load.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Delta Thermal Systems, Inc.Inventors: Virginia S. Colvin, David P. Colvin
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Patent number: 6057266Abstract: A mycoherbicide is adapted to be sprayed in solution on to an agricultural property such as seeds, germinating seeds, seedlings or plants and comprises a moisturizer such as water which is microencapsulated for time release on to the surface of agricultural property. In a further embodiment of the invention, a microencapsulated phase change material is also added to the solution to control the temperature on the surface of the agricultural property. A sticker is employed to enhance retention of the microcapsules on the agricultural property. The solution operates to control the microclimate on the surface of the agricultural property in order to enhance the effectiveness of the mycoherbicide fungi or bacteria on the host or to provide frost/freeze protection at low temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Delta Thermal Systems, Inc.Inventors: David P. Colvin, Donald K. Cartwright
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Patent number: 5804297Abstract: A method of insulating a substrate from repeated thermal transients and/or thermal impulses applied thereto by proximately absorbing and storing the thermal transients and/or thermal impulses for subsequent removal by radiation. According to the method, a coating is placed in energy absorbing contacting relation with the substrate. The coating includes a base material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the base material. The microcapsules may be dispersed throughout the base material and may be submerged therein so that they are substantially spaced apart from one another. The microcapsules contain a thermal energy absorbing material, for example, a phase change material such a paraffinic hydrocarbons or alternatively, plastic crystals. Articles of manufacture may be produced according to the present invention which employ the above described coating.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1995Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventors: David P. Colvin, Yvonne G. Bryant, John C. Driscoll, James C. Mulligan
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Patent number: 5637389Abstract: A thermal barrier in the form of a base material with a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material forms an insulative pad, such as a shoe insole. The microcapsules are surroundingly encapsulated and embedded within the base material. In addition, substantially all of the microcapsules are spaced apart from each other, the space between neighboring adjacent microcapsules containing a phase change material. The microcapsules may be anisotropically distributed to further reduce thermal conductivity of heat through the thermal barrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1996Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Inventors: David P. Colvin, Yvonne G. Bryant
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Patent number: 5518802Abstract: A cushioning structure for dampening shocks useful as a packing material to protect shipments of goods and as a protective shield or garment to prevent injury from falls or increase comfort such as in shoes, furniture, carpet, automobile components etc. including one or more planar sheets of pliable material bonded to a matrix of polygon shape cells containing a fluid such as air or other gas. In one aspect the cells are in fluid communication with each other to provide a valved fluid transfer from one cell to the next. In another aspect, the material is a resilient material formed as a grid like matrix of shaped indentures.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Inventors: David P. Colvin, Craig S. Potter
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Patent number: 5499460Abstract: A thermal barrier in the form of a base material with a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material forms an insulative pad, such as a shoe insole. The microcapsules are surroundingly encapsulated and embedded within the base material. In addition, substantially all of the microcapsules are spaced apart from each other, the space between neighboring adjacent microcapsules containing a phase change material. The microcapsules may be anisotropically distributed to further reduce thermal conductivity of heat through the thermal barrier.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1994Date of Patent: March 19, 1996Inventors: Yvonne G. Bryant, David P. Colvin
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Patent number: 5415222Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling garment, preferably in the form of a vest that contains pouches containing a phase change material. The pouches cover less than the surface area of the vest to thereby permit evaporative cooling to occur and to contribute to the overall comfort of the wearer. An alternate embodiment includes a honeycomb structure which is contained within the pouches and which contains a macroencapsulated phase change material and allows the escape of perspiration through the garment. A heat transfer fluid is adapted to circulate throughout the pouches. The honeycomb structure is designed so that the macroencapsulated phase change material remains within designated ones of the honeycombs, but that permits the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the pouch.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Triangle Research & Development CorporationInventors: David P. Colvin, Yvonne G. Bryant
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Patent number: 5366801Abstract: A coating is adapted to be applied to a fabric in order to enhance the thermal characteristics thereof. The coating includes integral and leak-resistant microcapsules filled with phase change material or plastic crystals that have specific thermal properties at predetermined temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1992Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Triangle Research and Development CorporationInventors: Yvonne G. Bryant, David P. Colvin
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Patent number: 5290904Abstract: A thermal shield comprising first and second substantially flat flame resistant covering layers adapted to overlie each other. A thermal energy absorbing material is positioned between the respective layers in sandwich fashion. The thermal energy absorbing material may comprise a phase change material in bulk, micro or macro encapsulated and which may further be embedded within a base material to provide enhanced thermal protection.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1991Date of Patent: March 1, 1994Assignee: Triangle Research and Development CorporationInventors: David P. Colvin, Yvonne G. Bryant, James C. Mulligan
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Patent number: 5261394Abstract: A percussive aid provides percussive force to aid in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis and other pulmonary blockage diseases. The device includes a frame with a pair of reciprocating arms mounted thereto at one of their ends. The other end of the arms mount impactor cups. A spring is associated with each of the cups. A drive mechanism is carried by the frame and moves the arms through a predetermined path of travel from a first uncocked position to a second cocked position of maximum deflection wherein the spring is placed in tension when the arm is tripped.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1991Date of Patent: November 16, 1993Assignee: Triangle Research and Development CorporationInventors: James C. Mulligan, David P. Colvin, Virginia S. Colvin, Benjamin T. Gravely, Charles J. Lord, David B. Moody, Raymond A. Whitney, William C. Bryan
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Patent number: 5224356Abstract: A method of using microencapsulated thermal conducting absorbing materials to cool heat sources is disclosed. Also disclosed are microcapsules containing a thermal energy conducting material. According to the method, these materials may be used alone or as a mixture and may be employed as a powder or incorporated into a hardenable matrix such as an epoxy resin.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1991Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Triangle Research & Development Corp.Inventors: David P. Colvin, Yvonne G. Bryant, James C. Mulligan
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Patent number: 5148861Abstract: A quick disconnect heat exchanger is disclosed wherein male and corresponding female members are adapted to be slidably interconnected. Each of the respective male and female members includes a discrete fluid flow so that fluids are not mixed during heat exchange and the coupler may be disconnected without fluid loss or mixing.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1991Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Triangle Research and Development CorporationInventors: David P. Colvin, James C. Mulligan, Benjamin T. Gravely
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Patent number: 5141079Abstract: A method of obtaining enhanced thermal energy between a material forming apparatus and a cooling fluid is disclosed. A two component heat transfer fluid of the type including a carrier fluid and a plurality of discrete particles that undergo a reversible latent energy transition upon the transfer of thermal energy thereto. The temperature of the particles is adjusted (heated or cooled as necessary) to the point of the beginning of latent energy transition of the particles. The fluid is then brought into contact with a heat source such as a metal forming apparatus and a workpiece, proximate the interface therebetween. The slurry may then be collected, adjusted to the point of the beginning of latent energy transition and re-circulated to the heat source.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1991Date of Patent: August 25, 1992Assignee: Triangle Research and Development CorporationInventors: Raymond A. Whitney, Virginia S. Colvin, David P. Colvin, James C. Mulligan
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Patent number: 5030501Abstract: A cushioning structure for dampening shocks useful as a packing material to protect shipments of goods and as a protective shield or garment to prevent injury from falls including one or more planar sheets of pliable material bonded to a matrix of polygon shape cells containing a fluid such as air or other gas. In one aspect the cells are in fluid communication with each other to provide a valved fluid transfer from one cell to the next.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1989Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Assignee: Raven Marketing, Inc.Inventors: David P. Colvin, Craig S. Potter
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Patent number: 5010892Abstract: A body lumen measuring instrument for insertion into a body passageway such as a bronchial tube or the like in order to determine the interior lumen diameter and/or axial length of the passageway at a predetermined location. This instrument can also be used to aid selection of a radioisotope capsule of proper size to be properly positioned at a specific location for tumor treatment. The measuring instrument includes a flexible sleeve having a handle secured to one end. A cable is slidably positioned within the sleeve and secured at one end to a slide actuator within the handle and at the other end terminates in a probe adapted for determining body passageway size under endoscopic observation. A measurement scale is associated with an indicator on the slide actuator in order to display the passageway size.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1988Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Assignees: Triangle Research and Development Corp., Johns Hopkins University, Medical Evaluation Devices & Instruments Corp.Inventors: David P. Colvin, Raymond A. Whitney, Bernard R. Marsh, William M. Kline, Ronald R. Rizzo, Mark E. Orlosky
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Patent number: 4936823Abstract: An implant capsule for insertion into a body canal to apply radiation treatment to a selected portion of the body canal. The device includes a body member defining at least one therapeutic treatment material receiving chamber and at least one resilient arm member associated with the body member for removably engaging the body canal when the device is positioned therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1988Date of Patent: June 26, 1990Assignees: Triangle Research and Development Corp., The Johns Hopkins Univ.Inventors: David P. Colvin, Bernard R. Marsh