Bonding Of Flexible Filamentary Material While In Indefinite Length Or Running Length Patents (Class 156/166)
  • Patent number: 11958675
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel PTP blister packaging material, a PTP blister package comprising the same, and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a PET-based blister package which is easy to cut and can be formed with a smooth cut surface, a blister package manufactured using the same as well as a method of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ICONIC FUSIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyo Jin Park
  • Patent number: 11602907
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated article comprises injecting a feedstock with a polymer resin to provide a resin-injected feedstock, pulling the resin-injected feedstock through a pultrusion die to form a pultrusion substrate having one or more profile surfaces, adhering an adhesive material comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane onto at least a portion the one or more profile surfaces to form one or more adhesive tie layers on the pultrusion substrate, and applying one or more coating materials onto the one or more adhesive tie layers to form one or more coating layers on the one or more adhesive tie layers to provide a coated pultrusion article, wherein an adhesion strength between the one or more coating layers and the one or more adhesive tie layers is higher than a corresponding adhesion strength would be between the one or more coating layers and the pultrusion substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Tecton Products, LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Plagemann, Neena Ravindran
  • Patent number: 11560470
    Abstract: Provided is a thermoplastic elastomer composition capable of producing a molded article having a good appearance such as surface smoothness and excellent bondability to another member, the thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: an ethylene-based polymer (A); and a propylene-based polymer (B), wherein a melt viscosity of the thermoplastic elastomer composition measured at a temperature of 220° C. and a shear rate of 12 sec?1 is 2,500 Pa·sec or less; the thermoplastic elastomer composition has a sea-island structure; and an island portion has a volume average particle diameter of 2.1 ?m or more and a particle diameter dispersion D of 7.0 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventor: Takahiro Konishi
  • Patent number: 11541603
    Abstract: A print head is disclosed for use in an additive manufacturing system. The print head may include an outlet configured to discharge a material, and a compacting device mounted to trail behind the outlet during movement of the print head in a normal direction. The print head may also include a spring configured to bias the compacting device against the material and to allow movement of the compacting device in a direction parallel with a discharge direction of the material through the outlet, and a locker configured to selectively lock a position of the compacting device relative to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Stranberg, Stephen Tyler Wilson, Samuel VanDenBerg
  • Patent number: 11435585
    Abstract: An optical device having suppressed rainbow effect is provided. The optical device includes a light source configured to generate an image light, an optical combiner coupled with the light source and configured to direct the image light to an eye-box of the optical device, and a dimming element disposed at the optical combiner. The optical combiner includes at least one diffractive element. The optical combiner has a first side facing the eye-box and an opposing second side facing a real world, and the dimming element is disposed at the second side of the optical combiner. The dimming element is configured to receive a light from the real world and significantly attenuate an intensity of the light having an incidence angle in a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Oleg Yaroshchuk, Barry David Silverstein, Alireza Moheghi, Gang Li
  • Patent number: 11390484
    Abstract: Systems include a creel assembly supporting a plurality of spools containing at least one cord having an indeterminate length such that a plurality of cords are supported on the creel assembly. A tensioner assembly operative to tension approximately equal predetermined lengths of the plurality of cords received from the creel assembly. A building mandrel supported for rotation and translation. A head assembly supported in fixed relation to the building mandrel. The head assembly is positioned co-axially such that the building mandrel can pass through an opening in the head assembly during translation. Methods of manufacture are included, as are flexible spring members and gas spring assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: James C. Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 11370192
    Abstract: A carbon fiber-reinforced molded article includes an arranged composite material and a cured resin product. The composite material includes a carbon fiber bundle and carbon nanotubes. The carbon fiber bundle is in which a plurality of continuous carbon fibers are arranged. The carbon nanotubes adhere to respective surfaces of the carbon fibers. A modulus of elasticity obtained by conducting a three-point bending test with a cushioning material is smaller than a modulus of elasticity obtained by conducting the three-point bending test without the cushioning material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: NITTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maki Onizuka, Katsuyuki Nakai, Takuji Komukai, Hiromi Teruhira
  • Patent number: 11348707
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a non-circular electrical cable having a reduced pulling force attributable to the exterior surface of an outer sheath, and method of producing the same is provided. In various embodiments, an outer sheath of the cable may comprise a first and second sheath layer, the second sheath layer being located external to the first sheath layer, and comprising a nylon material configured to reduce the pulling force necessary for installing the cable. In various embodiments, the first sheath layer may be extruded using a tube extrusion method into a substantially circular shape, and the second sheath layer may be extruded using a pressure extrusion methods onto the exterior surface of the first sheath layer while maintaining the at least substantially circular shape of the sheath. The sheath may then be pulled onto the surface of a plurality of conductors to form the non-circular electrical cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: Scotty Ledbetter, Randy Deon Kummer
  • Patent number: 11339569
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a unitized structure comprises creating a multilayer structure by applying a flame-retardant resin to a first layer and stacking, on the first layer, an intermediate layer comprising a honeycomb structure. Further, a second layer is stacked on the intermediate layer and the flame-retardant resin is applied to the second layer. The multilayer structure is then heated to a desired temperature and a pressure is applied about the multilayer structure for a predetermined process time. Moreover, the flame-retardant resin is prevented from entering spaces of the honeycomb structure. After elapse of the predetermined process time, the pressure is released, creating the unitized structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: NEXGEN COMPOSITES LLC
    Inventors: Robin Banerjee, Michael S. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 11319420
    Abstract: A prepreg containing the following constituent elements [A] to [C], wherein a resin composition containing the constituent elements [B] and [C] has a higher-order structure derived from a diffraction angle 2? between 1.0° and 6.0° observed with X-ray diffraction after curing: [A]: carbon fibers [B]: epoxy resin [C]: curing agent of [B].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Atsuhito Arai, Koji Furukawa, Atsuki Sugimoto, Masahiro Mino, Mayumi Mihara
  • Patent number: 11260605
    Abstract: A process for forming a flexible composite driveshaft includes providing a mandrel having a rigid region and a compressible region, applying fiber tape to the mandrel using automated fiber placement with in-situ laser curing in the rigid region and without in-situ laser curing the compressible region, and compressing the fiber tape and compressible material in the compressible region to form diaphragms that extend radially outward to a diameter that is at least twice the size of a diameter of the composite driveshaft in the rigid region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Raghu Iyer, Joyel M. Schaefer, Brayton Reed
  • Patent number: 11252947
    Abstract: To provide a fishing rod having a flexible tip rod less prone to breakage, and desired degrees of the flexibility and strength can be obtained at a required portion of the tip rod. A fishing rod includes a tip rod made of a fiber-reinforced resin material. The tip rod is formed of a short-fiber reinforced resin material in which short fibers are dispersed in a matrix resin material, the average fiber diameter of the short fibers is 3 to 15 ?m, the average fiber length of the short fibers is 0.5 to 10 mm, and the content of the short fibers is 3 to 50 wt %, and a periphery of the short-fiber reinforced resin material is at least partially covered with a prepreg sheet in which reinforced fibers are aligned and extended in one direction and impregnated with a synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: GLOBERIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Takahito Noda
  • Patent number: 11214022
    Abstract: A composite manufacturing system is provided. The composite manufacturing system comprises a fiber placement head, a compaction roller associated with the fiber placement head, and a temperature regulation system associated with the compaction roller. The temperature regulation system is configured to actively control a temperature of the compaction roller. The temperature regulation system comprises a number of temperature sensors, a cooling system, and a controller. The number of temperature sensors are configured to detect the temperature of the compaction roller. The cooling system is associated with the compaction roller and is configured to cool the compaction roller. The controller is in communication with the number of temperature sensors and the cooling system. The controller is configured to cool the compaction roller such that the temperature is below a threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Kisch, Brice A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11192316
    Abstract: A hierarchical sandwich core and a method of making it where a macroscopic honeycomb with a first macroscopic cell with first sandwich cell walls is connected to neighbouring macroscopic cells with neighbouring sandwich cell walls. The first and neighbouring sandwich cell walls are made of a sandwich material having a width, a mesoscopic core, and a first skin layer on a first major surface and a second skin layer on a second major surface of the sandwich material, both skin layers being attached to the mesoscopic core forming each sandwich cell wall of the macroscopic honeycomb. The first and the neighbouring cell walls have a height determined by the width of the sandwich material, both skin layers of the first sandwich cell wall being connected to both skin layers of at least one neighbouring cell wall along the height of the first cell wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: ECONCORE N.V.
    Inventor: Jochen Pflug
  • Patent number: 11135787
    Abstract: A fiber placement head assembly for applying a plurality of composite tape segments on a mold that includes a fiber placement head configured to receive composite tape from a composite tape source and apply the composite tape to the mold. The assembly also includes one or more air-operating conveyors, coupled with the fiber placement head, each having an inlet that is configured to receive an end of composite tape from the composite tape source, an outlet configured to provide the end of composite tape to the fiber placement head, and one or more inline vacuum conveyors that are configured to receive compressed fluid from a source and direct the compressed fluid toward the outlet thereby transporting the end of the composite tape from the inlet to the outlet and into the fiber placement head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: FIVES MACHINING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael N. Grimshaw, Christopher D. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 11104097
    Abstract: A composite structural article includes a polymeric body having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface. The composite structure includes a continuous fiber element extending along and embedded within the lateral length of a rib element and/or an open mesh woven element embedded within and coplanar a textured surface of the first major surface or the opposing second major surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: INTEGRATED COMPOSITE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Clare Hawley, Derek Joel Mazula
  • Patent number: 11072132
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated article comprises injecting a feedstock with a polymer resin to provide a resin-injected feedstock, pulling the resin-injected feedstock through a pultrusion die to form a pultrusion substrate having one or more profile surfaces, adhering an adhesive material comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane onto at least a portion the one or more profile surfaces to form one or more adhesive tie layers on the pultrusion substrate, and applying one or more coating materials onto the one or more adhesive tie layers to form one or more coating layers on the one or more adhesive tie layers to provide a coated pultrusion article, wherein an adhesion strength between the one or more coating layers and the one or more adhesive tie layers is higher than a corresponding adhesion strength would be between the one or more coating layers and the pultrusion substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Tecton Products, LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Plagemann, Neena Ravindran
  • Patent number: 10994499
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing comingled yarn of carbon and thermofusible fibres comprises the steps of: feeding a tow of thermofusible fibres from a spool to a blending roller and between the spool and the blending roller, spreading the thermofusible tow; feeding a tow of carbon fibres from a spool to the blending roller; spreading the carbon fibre tow between the spool and the blending roller by applying a flow of air over the tow to urge the tow against a supporting surface over which the carbon fibres pass on their way to the blending roller; combining the thermofusible and carbon fibre tows at the blending roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: J&P COATS LIMITED
    Inventors: Kevin Helms, Steven Todd Pool
  • Patent number: 10913236
    Abstract: An intermediate base material is provided that is excellent in the conformity to three-dimensional shapes and that, when formed into a fiber reinforced plastic, develops good surface quality and high mechanical properties. According to one aspect, an incised prepreg is provided that has, in at least a partial region in a prepreg that contains unidirectionally oriented reinforcing fibers and a resin, a plurality of incisions that divide reinforcing fibers, wherein, in the case where a population is made up of the numbers of incisions contained in ten small circular regions of 10 mm in diameter randomly selected in the aforementioned region, a mean value for the population is 10 or greater and a coefficient of variation therefor is within 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuzo Fujita, Yuta Naito, Ichiro Taketa, Shiori Kawamoto, Yoshitaka Koyama
  • Patent number: 10815618
    Abstract: A deflection member that includes a reinforcing member and a plurality of tiles fastened to the reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Leslie Brent, Jr., James Michael Singer, John Allen Manifold, Eric James Watkins, Mario Castillo
  • Patent number: 10807303
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for additively manufacturing a composite structure. The method may include directing a continuous reinforcement into a print head, and coating the continuous reinforcement with a first matrix component inside of the print head. The method may further include coating the continuous reinforcement with a second matrix component, discharging the continuous reinforcement through a nozzle of the print head, and moving the print head in multiple dimensions during the discharging. The first and second matrix components interact to cause hardening of a matrix around the continuous reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Continuous Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler B. Alvarado, Trevor David Budge, Ryan C. Stockett, John Swallow
  • Patent number: 10668672
    Abstract: A composite structure having at least one radially extending part is provided. The composite structure is formed with ply layers. At least one of the ply layers used to form the radially extending part has fibers oriented at an angle offset from an edge of the at least one ply layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Madsen, Eric McNabb, John B. Healey, Todd Rosevear
  • Patent number: 10603836
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are disclosed. Two or more materials are extruded simultaneously as a composite, with at least one material in liquid form and at least one material in a solid continuous strand completely encased within the liquid material. A means of curing the liquid material after extrusion hardens the composite. A part is constructed using a series of extruded composite paths. The strand material within the composite contains specific chemical, mechanical, or electrical characteristics that instill the object with enhanced capabilities not possible with only one material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Continuous Composites Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Lyle Tyler
  • Patent number: 10596791
    Abstract: Co-cured urethane and vinyl ester, epoxy, or unsaturated polyester gel coats having improved toughness and flexibility compared with conventional polyester gel coats are disclosed. The gel coats, which have 10-50 wt. % urethane content, adhere well to structural layers and can be used in a traditional in-mold process. Co-cured elastomeric coatings comprising from 50 to 95 wt. % of a urethane component and an unsaturated polyester, epoxy, or vinyl ester are also disclosed. Unlike conventional urethane coatings, the elastomeric coatings adhere well to structural layers and can be used in a traditional in-mold process. Castings or structural layers comprising a reinforced thermoset of co-cured urethane and vinyl ester, epoxy, or unsaturated polyester components, including 10-95 wt. % of the urethane component, are also described. The invention includes in-mold processes for making laminates that utilize the gel coats, elastomeric coatings, and/or structural layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Scott Lewit
  • Patent number: 10513100
    Abstract: Co-cured urethane and vinyl ester, epoxy, or unsaturated polyester gel coats having improved toughness and flexibility compared with conventional polyester gel coats are disclosed. The gel coats, which have 10-50 wt. % urethane content, adhere well to structural layers and can be used in a traditional in-mold process. Co-cured elastomeric coatings comprising from 50 to 95 wt. % of a urethane component and an unsaturated polyester, epoxy, or vinyl ester are also disclosed. Unlike conventional urethane coatings, the elastomeric coatings adhere well to structural layers and can be used in a traditional in-mold process. Castings or structural layers comprising a reinforced thermoset of co-cured urethane and vinyl ester, epoxy, or unsaturated polyester components, including 10-95 wt. % of the urethane component, are also described. The invention includes in-mold processes for making laminates that utilize the gel coats, elastomeric coatings, and/or structural layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: COMPOSITES INTELLECTUAL HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Scott Lewit
  • Patent number: 10443386
    Abstract: Methods for forming ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method comprises automatically laying up CMC plies. Laying up plies includes transferring a CMC ply to a layup tool; applying heat to the CMC ply; and stacking the CMC ply with at least one other CMC ply. In various embodiments, CMC plies may be laid up using an automated machine. In some embodiments, a CMC ply may be transferred to a layup tool using an automated machine and the CMC ply may be stacked with at least one other CMC ply using the automated machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger Lee Ken Matsumoto, Nitin Garg
  • Patent number: 10409022
    Abstract: A method for producing an optical fiber unit by winding at least two bundling members on the outer circumference of an optical fiber bundle formed by bundling a plurality of optical fibers, including: feeding the optical fiber bundle from a fiber passage member; feeding the bundling members while forming intersection points between two of the bundling members on the outer circumference of the optical fiber bundle by feeding at least one of the bundling members from a bundling member passage part of a rotating member arranged to the outer circumference of the fiber passage member, while causing the rotating member to oscillate, with the feeding direction serving as the axis; and fusion-bonding the bundling members at their intersection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Kaji, Masataka Mikami, Masayuki Ishioka, Ken Osato, Masayoshi Yamanaka, Naoki Okada
  • Patent number: 10393517
    Abstract: Laser source modification techniques for a laser-based rangefinding or speed measurement instrument enabling increased range, better defined beam pattern and improved accuracy through the use of diffusers and/or spatial filters while still remaining within applicable Class 1 eye-safety limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignees: Laser Technology, Inc., Kama-Tech (HK) Limited
    Inventor: Jeremy G. Dunne
  • Patent number: 10377093
    Abstract: A composite panel structure has opposing outer walls or surfaces and a core comprising a plurality of ribs extending between and connected to the outer walls and defining chambers which are filled with expanding foams, non-expanding foams, gases, or a combination thereof. The outer panel surfaces and internal chamber walls or ribs are made of woven or non-woven fibrous material impregnated with one or more resins. The panel structure may be used for making a variety of products including sports equipment such as sports paddles, surfboards, kite boards, skateboards, wakeboards, as well as construction panels for walls, ceilings or floors, display panels, panels for the vehicle industry, furniture, and other structures requiring high strength to weight properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Gear Box
    Inventor: Rafael G. Filippini
  • Patent number: 10357938
    Abstract: A spar (2) is formed by stacking a signal-line layer (52), which includes a resin layer (521) having a plurality of signal lines (522) embedded therein, on a carbon-fiber prepreg (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Waku
  • Patent number: 10358315
    Abstract: Systems include a creel assembly supporting a plurality of spools containing at least one cord having an indeterminate length such that a plurality of cords are supported on the creel assembly. A tensioner assembly operative to tension approximately equal predetermined lengths of the plurality of cords received from the creel assembly. A building mandrel supported for rotation and translation. A head assembly supported in fixed relation to the building mandrel. The head assembly is positioned co-axially such that the building mandrel can pass through an opening in the head assembly during translation. Methods of manufacture are included, as are flexible spring members and gas spring assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: James C. Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 10290290
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composite reed (55) for a wind instrument and to a method for producing such a reed. The reed has a matrix made of a polymer material and a plurality of reinforcing fibres made of another polymer material, embedded inside the matrix. The other polymer material is a thermoplastic polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: VARLEPIC PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventor: Bernard Van Doren
  • Patent number: 10246571
    Abstract: Polyfunctional amine structures exhibiting at least one hydrophobic moiety selected from the group consisting of; hydrophobic epoxides, hydrophobic glycidyl ethers and hydrophobic (meth)acrylates are described which provide crosslinking capabilities for latex polymer compositions. These crosslinkers not only exhibit latent crosslinking properties but also improved hydrophobicity when compared with existing latex formulations. Latent crosslinking provides advantages associated with fast interactions between the anionic latex charge and the cationic charge associated with these hydrophobically modified polyfunctional amine crosslinkers. Once the latex is coated onto a substrate, the volatile base evaporates and the groups react to form a crosslinked coating with both improved hydrophobic and wash-off properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ennis Paint, Inc.
    Inventor: Haibo Li
  • Patent number: 10220350
    Abstract: A membrane filtration module configured for use in a filtration reactor, the module comprising: hollow fiber membranes configured to perform filtration of feed fluid in the reactor; and a vibration mechanism configured to vibrate the hollow fiber membranes to generate shear stresses on the surface of the hollow fiber membranes for reducing fouling of the hollow fiber membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Wing-Keung Adrian Law, Tian Li, Anthony Gordon Fane
  • Patent number: 10190424
    Abstract: A 3D thermoplastic pultrusion system, comprises one or more sets of 3D thermoplastic forming machines; a CNC control system controlling the one or more sets of 3D thermoplastic forming machines to form a heated prepreg thermoplastic composite material into a 3D thermoplastic composite pultrusion, the one or more sets of 3D thermoplastic forming machines include a plurality of motion control CNC rotational motors and CNC actuators operatively coupled to the motion control CNC rotational motors, a flexible chilled band shapeable by the CNC actuators to form the heated prepreg thermoplastic composite material into the thermoplastic composite pultrusion, and bearings that the motion control CNC rotational motors pivot the actuators about and hold the actuators in position during a consolidation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Ebert Composites Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Johnson, Scott A. Garrett, Stephen G. Moyers
  • Patent number: 10173376
    Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a fiber tow is provided. The apparatus includes a supply unit that supplies a fiber tow impregnated with resin. A laminating unit is configured to move along a surface of a lamination object and has a shock-absorption element to laminate a fiber tow supplied from the supply unit on a surface of the lamination object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Min Soo Kim, Sang Sun Park, Jun Hyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 10132598
    Abstract: A ballistic protection structure has a first ballistic layer made of a textile of synthetic fibers and a second ballistic layer comprising a first holding element on which slender metallic structures in the form of flat sheets and/or straight filiform elements are restrained. The metallic structures are restrained at different points of the first holding element and protrude therefrom generally perpendicularly. The free ends of the slender metallic structures are restrained to the first textile layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: SAES GETTERS S.P.A., GRUPPO ROLD S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Citro, Giorgio Vergani, Paolo Barbatelli
  • Patent number: 9970140
    Abstract: The present invention provides a network structure having excellent repeated compression durability, a low repeated compression residual strain and a high hardness retention after repeated compression. A network structure made of a three-dimensional random loop bonded structure obtained by forming random loops with curling treatment of a continuous linear structure including at least one thermoplastic elastic resin selected from the group consisting of a polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer and a polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer, the continuous linear structure having a fineness of not less than 100 dtex and not more than 60000 dtex, and by making each loop mutually contact in a molten state, wherein The network structure has an apparent density of 0.005 g/cm3 to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOBO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Teruyuki Taninaka, Shinichi Kobuchi, Hiroyuki Wakui
  • Patent number: 9962888
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for manufacturing a fully impregnated thermoplastic prepreg includes a mechanism for moving a fabric or mat and a drying mechanism that removes residual moisture from at least one surface of the fabric or mat. The system also includes a resin application mechanism that applies a reactive resin to the fabric or mat and a press mechanism that presses the coated fabric or mat to ensure that the resin fully saturates the fabric or mat. The system further includes a curing oven through which the coated fabric or mat is moved to polymerize the resin and thereby form a thermoplastic polymer so that upon exiting the oven, the fabric or mat is fully impregnated with the thermoplastic polymer. During at least a portion of the process, humidity in the vicinity of the coated fabric or mat is maintained at substantially zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Mingfu Zhang, Klaus Friedrich Gleich, Asheber Yohannes, Michael John Block, Jawed Asrar, Derek Cooper Bristol, Christopher P Sandoval
  • Patent number: 9867394
    Abstract: A method and a device for supplying filter material to a filter rod forming machine, according to which a flat band of filter material, obtained working a single “tow”, is longitudinally cut in at least two strips, each of which is fed to a respective pneumatic device adapted to transform the respective strip in a respective cord. The cords are then fed to an inlet of the forming machine at positions evenly distributed about a central axial portion for forming a peripheral axial portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: MONTRADE S.R.L.
    Inventors: Antonella Giannini, Alberto Monzoni
  • Patent number: 9835817
    Abstract: An installation tool and method of embedding an optical fiber in an adhesive bead deposited along a structural corner or crevice in a building room or hallway, without a ladder and while an installer stands safely on the floor. The tool includes a neck portion arranged to be joined to a distal end of a pole, a trough for receiving and containing the optical fiber, a guide channel disposed at a downstream end of the trough for retaining the fiber, and a tool nose disposed at a downstream end of the guide channel. When the installer manipulates the tool to sweep the tool nose over the bead while urging the tool nose against the bead, the fiber enters the tool nose from the guide channel and becomes embedded in the adhesive bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLC
    Inventors: Denis E Burek, Jimmy Joy, Willard C White
  • Patent number: 9764855
    Abstract: An exterior structure component for an aircraft with an illuminating device includes a structure with an interior side and an exterior surface with at least one illuminated region and a multitude of optical fibers that extend from the interior side to the at least one illuminated region of the exterior surface. The optical fibers end on the interior side of the exterior structure component in a common interface area that is couplable to an illuminating device. The structure is made from a fiber composite material in which the optical fibers are integrated. In this manner a particularly weight-saving illuminating device that is capable of withstanding external influences may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Lengers
  • Patent number: 9757874
    Abstract: A die and method for impregnating at least one fiber roving with a polymer resin are disclosed. In one embodiment, the die includes an impregnation section including an impregnation zone configured to impregnate the roving with the resin, the impregnation zone including a plurality of contact surfaces. The die further includes a perturbation positioned on at least one of the plurality of contact surfaces, the perturbation configured to interact with the roving. In one embodiment, the method includes coating a fiber roving with a polymer resin. The method further includes traversing the coated roving through an impregnation zone to impregnate the roving with the resin. The impregnation zone includes a plurality of contact surfaces. The method further includes interacting the coated roving with a perturbation positioned on at least one of the plurality of contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Regan, Aaron H. Johnson, David W. Eastep
  • Patent number: 9744753
    Abstract: A method of making a composite panel configured for use with a flooring assembly of a trailer includes providing a wood substrate, making an uncured fiber-reinforced coating, and applying the uncured fiber-reinforced coating onto a surface of the wood substrate. The method further includes curing the uncured fiber-reinforced coating after applying the uncured fiber-reinforced coating onto the surface of the wood substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Sheffield, Eddie J. Bartlett, Timothy D. Cantwell
  • Patent number: 9688045
    Abstract: A reinforced liner and methods of manufacturing the liner are disclosed. The liner includes a glass veil layer as an innermost layer in combination with an outer reinforcing layer that includes glass fibers. The glass veil layer and the reinforcing layer are joined together, such as by an elastic yarn. Inclusion of the glass veil layer imparts desirable surface finish characteristics to the reinforced liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: OCV Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Corneilis Den Besten, Jerome Francois
  • Patent number: 9643287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a wind turbine blade in a production facility. The method comprises the steps of positioning a first overhung gantry to extend transversely over an elongated first mold part for manufacturing one of a first part and a second part of the blade, performing a first working action at the first mold part with a first tool mounted on the first overhung gantry, moving the first overhung gantry from the first mold part to an elongated second mold part for manufacturing the other of the first and the second part of the blade, positioning the first overhung gantry to extend transversely over the second mold part, and performing a second working action at the second mold part by means of the first tool or a second tool mounted on the first overhung gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Raul Garcia Tapia
  • Patent number: 9630390
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing curved composite structural elements can include fabricating a web ply in a flat curve over a removable substrate and laying up the ply on a curved web surface of a manufacturing tool. The method also can include laying up a diagonal ply with fibers oriented at +/?45° from the centerline of the web surface. The method further can include cutting a unidirectional composite tape into segments and laying up the tape segments to form a cross ply with a fiber orientation normal to the centerline of the web surface. One or both edges of the diagonal and cross plies may be folded over one or two sides of the manufacturing tool to form one or two flange surfaces. Additionally, a cap ply can be laid up on one or both flange surfaces using composite tape. The structural element layup can then be inspected and any excess composite material can be trimmed away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd A. Brown, Stephen Douglas Friddell, Christopher G. Harris, Andrew E. Modin
  • Patent number: 9604499
    Abstract: An apparatus including a hub shell. The hub shell can include a hub body; a first spoke flange; and a second spoke flange. The first spoke flange and the a second spoke flange can include a fiber reinforced plastic. The fiber reinforced plastic can include fibers having a range of lengths between 0.2 and 3 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Wilke, Graham Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 9499922
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a double cladding crystal fiber, in which growing an YAG or a sapphire into a single crystal fiber by LHPG method, placing the single crystal fiber into a glass capillary for inner cladding, placing the single crystal fiber together with the glass capillary for inner cladding into a glass capillary for outer cladding in unison, heating the glass capillary for inner cladding and outer cladding by the LHPG method to attach to the outside of the single crystal fiber, and thus growing into a double cladding crystal fiber. When the present invention is applied to high power laser, by using the cladding pumping scheme, the high power pumping laser is coupled to the inner cladding layer, so the problems of heat dissipation and the efficiency impairment due to energy transfer up-conversion of high power laser are mitigated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Kuang-Yu Hsu, Mu-Han Yang, Dong-Yo Jheng, Sheng-Lung Huang
  • Patent number: 9381675
    Abstract: A method of forming a preform may include providing a layer of tackified fibrous material containing structural fibers and resin. The layer may be passed through a forming die set having a die cross-sectional shape. The thermoplastic resin may be heated. The layer may be formed into the die cross-sectional shape. The thermoplastic resin may be allowed to solidify in a manner such that a preform is formed having the die cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas Karl Tsotsis, Gerould K. Young