Patents by Inventor William J. Kauffman
William J. Kauffman 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: 10947406Abstract: This invention describes the manufacture of partially cured binder compositions based upon modification of drying oils with at least one multi-functional co-vulcanizing agent. The partially cured binder compositions can be blended with polymeric materials to prepare polymer blends. These polymer blends can be used to produce products such as cured solid layers. Methods of manufacturing the partially cured binder compositions and cured solid layers are described.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Inventors: William J. Kauffman, Walter J. Lewicki, Jr.
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Patent number: 10875971Abstract: This invention describes the manufacture of partially cured binder compositions based upon modification of drying oils with at least one multi-functional co-vulcanizing agent. The partially cured binder compositions can be used to produce products such as cured solid layers. These layers can be used in flooring materials, coatings, printing inks, and paints. Methods of manufacturing the partially cured binder compositions and cured solid layers are described.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Inventors: William J. Kauffman, Walter J. Lewicki, Jr.
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Publication number: 20180355202Abstract: This invention describes the manufacture of partially cured binder compositions based upon modification of drying oils with at least one multi-functional co-vulcanizing agent. The partially cured binder compositions can be blended with polymeric materials to prepare polymer blends. These polymer blends can be used to produce products such as cured solid layers. Methods of manufacturing the partially cured binder compositions and cured solid layers are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: William J. KAUFFMAN, Walter J. LEWICKI, Jr.
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Publication number: 20180355118Abstract: This invention describes the manufacture of partially cured binder compositions based upon modification of drying oils with at least one multi-functional co-vulcanizing agent. The partially cured binder compositions can be used to produce products such as cured solid layers. These layers can be used in flooring materials, coatings, printing inks, and paints. Methods of manufacturing the partially cured binder compositions and cured solid layers are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: William J. KAUFFMAN, Walter J. LEWICKI, JR.
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Patent number: 9546126Abstract: A linoleum composition including a dendritic substituent comprising (i) a polyfunctional core including a plurality of primary branches extending from the core and (ii) a plurality of dendritic branches extending from the plurality of primary branches, and each dendritic branch having an unsaturated functionality.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: AFI Licensing LLCInventor: William J. Kauffman
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Patent number: 9518198Abstract: A binder composition comprising a partially pre-oxidized drying oil and at least one co-vulcanizing agent. A method provides rapid curing of the compositions. The materials find utility in flooring, coating, and decorating applications. One preferred utility is in the manufacture of linoleum type flooring. Another preferred utility is in the manufacture of a transparent/translucent coating for improving the wear properties of surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2016Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Inventors: William J. Kauffman, Walter J. Lewicki, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140031570Abstract: A linoleum composition including a dendritic substituent comprising a polyfunctional core including a plurality of primary branches extending; from the core and (ii) a plurality of dendritic branches extending from the plurality of primary branches, and each dendritic branch having an unsaturated functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.Inventor: William J. KAUFFMAN
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Patent number: 7527852Abstract: Surface covering components that include a topcoat layer with different gloss levels in various regions on the top coat layer, and methods of manufacturing such surface covering components, are disclosed. The surface covering components include a coating layer that includes regions that have a relatively higher gloss, and regions with a relatively lower gloss. The differential gloss is provided by coating a substrate with a UV-curable coating composition, subjecting a first region of the surface coating to polymerization under a first set of conditions, and subjecting a second region of the surface coating to polymerization under a second set of conditions. The UV-curable coating compositions include UV-curable components and one or more flatting agents. The different polymerization conditions involve applying various photoinitiators, thermal initiators and/or cure altering agents to some regions of the coated substrate, and not applying these components to other regions of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: Gary A. Sigel, William J. Kauffman, Donald E. Barshinger
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Publication number: 20080305311Abstract: A coated freestanding film, a surface covering and a method of manufacturing such coated freestanding film and surface covering are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the coated freestanding film and surface covering include a film having a print layer forming a pattern or design disposed on one side of the film. A discontinuous gloss layer is disposed on the other side of the film substantially in-register with at least a portion of the printed pattern or design. Additionally, the gloss layer has at least one portion thereof which has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed. The film may be a rigid or semirigid film. In another embodiment, the coated freestanding film and surface covering has a film and a discontinuous gloss layer disposed on one side of the film. The gloss layer forms a pattern or design and at least one portion thereof has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Frank Watts, JR., Gary A. Sigel, William J. Kauffman
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Publication number: 20080167182Abstract: Disclosed is decorative surface covering that has a substantially non-aqueous absorptive layer and a water retentive layer. The decorative surface covering may be a vinyl-backed floor covering that can be adhered to a substantially non-aqueous absorptive subfloor with a water-based adhesive. The water retentive layer is formed from a polymer matrix and super absorbent water retentive particles. The water retentive layer may also include a hydrophilic additive to facilitate movement of water from the adhesive to the super absorbent water retentive particles. The water retentive layer may also be applied to the substantially non-aqueous absorptive subfloor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Kean M. Anspach, William J. Kauffman
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Patent number: 7390554Abstract: Disclosed is decorative surface covering that has a substantially non-aqueous absorptive layer and a water retentive layer. The decorative surface covering may be a vinyl-backed floor covering that can be adhered to a substantially non-aqueous absorptive subfloor with a water-based adhesive. The water retentive layer is formed from a polymer matrix and super absorbent water retentive particles. The water retentive layer may also include a hydrophilic additive to facilitate movement of water from the adhesive to the super absorbent water retentive particles. The water retentive layer may also be applied to the substantially non-aqueous absorptive subfloor.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: Kean M. Anspach, William J. Kauffman
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Patent number: 7276265Abstract: Surface covering components that include a topcoat layer with different gloss levels in various regions on the top coat layer, and methods of manufacturing such surface covering components, are disclosed. The surface covering components include a coating layer that includes regions that have a relatively higher gloss, and regions with a relatively lower gloss. The differential gloss is provided by coating a substrate with a UV-curable coating composition, subjecting a first region of the surface coating to polymerization under a first set of conditions, and subjecting a second region of the surface coating to polymerization under a second set of conditions. The UV-curable coating compositions include UV-curable components and one or more flatting agents. The different polymerization conditions involve applying various photoinitiators, thermal initiators and/or cure altering agents to some regions of the coated substrate, and not applying these components to other regions of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: Gary A. Sigel, William J. Kauffman, Donald E. Barshinger
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Patent number: 7195812Abstract: Surface covering components that include a topcoat layer with different gloss levels in various regions on the top coat layer, and methods of manufacturing such surface covering components, are disclosed. The surface covering components include a coating layer that includes regions that have a relatively higher gloss, and regions with a relatively lower gloss. The differential gloss is provided by coating a substrate with a UV-curable coating composition, subjecting a first region of the surface coating to polymerization under a first set of conditions, and subjecting a second region of the surface coating to polymerization under a second set of conditions. The UV-curable coating compositions include UV-curable components and one or more flatting agents. The different polymerization conditions involve applying various photoinitiators, thermal initiators and/or cure altering agents to some regions of the coated substrate, and not applying these components to other regions of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: Gary A. Sigel, William J. Kauffman, Donald E. Barshinger
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Patent number: 7101606Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mechanically and chemically embossed surface covering having selectively textured surfaces. The method includes forming a web coated with a wear layer. The coated web is heated to a temperature at which the wear layer is cured, the foam layer expands, and the pattern is chemically embossed to form a surface covering having foamed regions and nonfoamed regions. The temperature gradient of the surface covering is adjusted such that there is a temperature gradient difference between the foamed and nonfoamed regions. A surface texture is then mechanically embossed into the wear layer and selectively set onto the wear layer substantially overlying the non-foamed regions.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: W. Craig Brossman, Steven F. Hynicka, Lisa Moyer, William J. Kauffman
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Patent number: 7022272Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mechanically and chemically embossed surface covering having selectively textured surfaces. The method includes forming a web coated with a wear layer. The coated web is heated to a temperature at which the wear layer is cured, the foam layer expands, and the pattern is chemically embossed to form a surface covering having foamed regions and nonfoamed regions. The temperature gradient of the surface covering is adjusted such that there is a temperature gradient difference between the foamed and nonfoamed regions. A surface texture is then mechanically embossed into the wear layer and selectively set onto the wear layer substantially overlying the non-foamed regions.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: W. Craig Brossman, Steven F. Hynicka, Lisa Moyer, William J. Kauffman
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Patent number: 6946185Abstract: Surface coverings and surface covering components that include a textured transparent or translucent wear layer and a design layer, where the design layer is printed with an ink that includes collapsible microspheres, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such surface coverings and surface covering components. In one embodiment, a pattern is printed on a substrate to be coated with a wear layer. In another embodiment, a clear transparent or translucent layer underlies the design layer. The ink includes collapsible microspheres, and can also include foaming inhibitors. A number of surface covering substrates and surface coverings can be prepared using the methods described herein. The surface coverings include a substrate, for example, a foamable substrate, a design layer printed with an ink composition that includes collapsible microspheres, and a wear layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: William J. Kauffman, Malcolm John Selby, Rajmeet Kaur Jagdev
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Patent number: 6911263Abstract: Composite wear layers that include a polyethylene terephthalate wear layer adhered to an organic/inorganic (O/I) top coat layer, and surface coverings and surface covering components including the composite wear layers, are disclosed. The organic/inorganic top coat layer is formed from a top coat formulation that comprises a coupling agent that includes an organic polymerizable moiety such as epoxy, acrylate and the like, as well as an inorganic polymerizable moiety such as a silanol. The wear layer is typically in the range of about 1-20 mils thickness, and the top coat layer is typically in the range of 2 microns to 0.5 mils thickness. The composite wear layers can be included in surface coverings or surface covering components, such as floor and wall coverings. An adhesion promoter/binder can be used to better adhere the polyethylene terephthalate wear layer to the organic/inorganic top coat layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: William J. Kauffman, Gary A. Sigel
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Patent number: 6908663Abstract: A method and composition for providing a colored high performance wear surface for floor coverings is disclosed. Specifically, the floor covering includes a substrate and a high performance layer comprising a radiation cured pigmented composition. The exposed surface of the floor covering has a stain resistance of less than about 150 Delta E units. A pigmented high performance wear layer can be added in register with a printed design on the substrate or in register with an embossed texture of the substrate. Additionally, a high performance topcoat wear layer may be added. The pigmented high performance layer may include a nacreous pigment.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: Ralph W. Wright, Jr., Gary A. Sigel, Jennifer W. Sager, William J. Kauffman
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Patent number: 6908585Abstract: A method and composition for providing a colored high performance wear surface for floor coverings is disclosed. Specifically, the floor covering includes a substrate and a high performance layer comprising a radiation cured pigmented composition. The exposed surface of the floor covering has a stain resistance of less than about 150 Delta E units. A pigmented high performance wear layer can be added in register with a printed design on the substrate or in register with an embossed texture of the substrate. Additionally, a high performance topcoat wear layer may be added. The pigmented high performance layer may include a nacreous pigment.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: Ralph W. Wright, Jr., Gary A. Sigel, Jennifer W. Sager, William J. Kauffman
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Patent number: 6902823Abstract: Disclosed is decorative surface covering that has a substantially non-aqueous absorptive layer and a water retentive layer. The decorative surface covering may be a vinyl-backed floor covering that can be adhered to a substantially non-aqueous absorptive subfloor with a water-based adhesive. The water retentive layer is formed from a polymer matrix and super absorbent water retentive particles. The water retentive layer may also include a hydrophilic additive to facilitate movement of water from the adhesive to the super absorbent water retentive particles. The water retentive layer may also be applied to the substantially non-aqueous absorptive subfloor.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: AWI Licensing CompanyInventors: Kean M. Anspach, William J. Kauffman