Patents by Inventor Hobert C. Sweatman

Hobert C. Sweatman 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).

  • Patent number: 5707469
    Abstract: A method of making a dyed nylon walk-off mat having improved washfastness includes dyeing nylon yarn, or a tufted nylon mat, in a fiber reactive dye solution having a pH in the range of about 0.5 to about 2.5. The yarn is then heated, such as by steam, at a temperature above 200.degree. F., after which the yarn is treated with an alkaline solution followed by a heat treatment. A backing, such as of rubber or vinyl, is applied to the mat at an elevated temperature. The application of the backing at elevated temperature, and the heat treatment subsequent to application of the alkaline solution, may be performed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Robert R. Hixson
    Inventors: Robert R. Hixson, David R. Kelly, Hobert C. Sweatman
  • Patent number: 5447539
    Abstract: A method of dyeing polypropylene fiber to create areas of different color on the fiber. A first dye solution containing a disperse dye and a dye-promoting agent is applied to substantially the entire surface of the fiber to cover the fiber with a first color. Thereafter, and while the fiber surface is still wet with the first dye solution, a second dye solution containing a disperse dye of a second color is applied only to selected discontinuous areas of the fiber. The second dye solution displaces the first dye solution in those areas of the fiber surface to which the second dye solution is applied. Then, the fiber is subjected to an elevated temperature high enough, and for a period of time sufficient, to fix the dyes in the fiber. Preferably, the second dye solution is more viscous than the first dye solution. After the dye fixation step, the fiber is scoured to remove excess dye. If desired, the second dye solution also contains a dye-promoting agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: DKE Incorporated
    Inventors: David R. Kelly, Hobert C. Sweatman, Robert R. Hixson
  • Patent number: 5445653
    Abstract: A method of dyeing nylon, particularly cationic dyeable Type 6 and 66 nylon and light dyeable Type 66 nylon, so that the dyed fiber will resist taking on further dye and will have a high degree of wash and bleed fastness when the dyed fiber is subjected to a further high temperature aqueous dye bath. The method includes providing a bifunctional dye solution having a very low pH, i.e. no higher than 1.5. The dye is applied to the fiber with a degree of wet pick-up exceeding 100% by weight of the fiber. The fiber is then steamed, washed, and dried, and contacted by an alkaline solution, such as a trisodium phosphate solution. Thereafter, the fiber is autoclaved. Such a dyed nylon fiber can be combined with an undyed nylon fiber to produce a textile product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Rossville Yarn, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Hixson, Randy J. Rawlston, Hobert C. Sweatman
  • Patent number: RE36668
    Abstract: A method of making a dyed nylon walk-off mat having improved washfastness includes dyeing nylon yarn, or a tufted nylon mat, in a fiber reactive dye solution having a pH in the range of about 0.5 to about 2.5. The yarn is then heated, such as by steam, at a temperature above 200.degree. F., after which the yarn is treated with an alkaline solution followed by a heat treatment. A backing, such as of rubber or vinyl, is applied to the mat at an elevated temperature. The application of the backing at elevated temperature, and the heat treatment subsequent to application of the alkaline solution, may be performed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Robert R. Hixson
    Inventors: Robert R. Hixson, David R. Kelly, Hobert C. Sweatman