Plural Filaments Patents (Class 156/178)
  • Patent number: 11390006
    Abstract: Provided are composite feedstock strips for additive manufacturing and methods of forming such strips. A composite feedstock strip may include continuous unidirectional fibers extending parallel to each other and to the principal axis of the strip. This fiber continuity yields superior mechanical properties, such as the tensile strength along strip's principal axis. Composite feedstock strips may be fabricated by slitting a composite laminate in a direction parallel to the fibers. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the slit strips may be changed by reattributing material at least on the surface of the strips and/or by coating the slit strips with another material. This cross-sectional shape change may be performed without disturbing the continuous fibers within the strips. The cross-sectional distribution of fibers within the strips may be uneven with higher concentration of fibers near the principal axis of the strips, for example, to assist with additive manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John C. Waldrop, III, Matthew S. Thompson, Michael W. Hayes, Stephen R. Heinz
  • Patent number: 11192313
    Abstract: A method for producing a pultruded article includes: a step in which an activation sheet having a sliding surface capable of sliding with the inner surface of a mold is arranged on the surface of an intermediate molded article comprising reinforcing fibers that are impregnated with a thermosetting resin and the intermediate molded article and the activation sheet are introduced into a mold together; and a step in which a pultruded article generated by heating and hardening the intermediate molded article in the mold is pultruded together with the activation sheet from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shunichi Morishima, Toshio Kozasa, Masatake Hatano, Kazuaki Kishimoto, Yukio Takeuchi, Masayuki Yamashita, Hitoshi Ojika
  • Patent number: 11090898
    Abstract: A system for providing improved engineered-composite materials, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Roland Joseph Downs, Christopher Michael Adams, Jon Michael Holweger, Wesley Edward Hatcher, Keith Joel McDaniels
  • Patent number: 10836125
    Abstract: A pultrusion device and method are provided for producing a fiber-reinforced continuous section which has a second cross-sectional profile that is discontinuous in a direction of pultrusion with a press forming device for shaping the continuous section. The press forming device includes a first shaping device for producing the continuous section with a continuous cross-sectional profile and a second shaping device, which follows on from the first shaping device in the direction of pultrusion, for shaping the second discontinuous cross-sectional profile of the continuous section. A punching tool is arranged between the first shaping device and the second shaping device and is designed to bring about a local change in shape of the continuous cross-sectional profile, at least in a defined portion of the continuous section, in order to produce a first discontinuous cross-sectional profile of the continuous section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Cornelius Johan Kalle Keil
  • Patent number: 10821674
    Abstract: Use of a sensor read out system with at least one fiber optical sensor, which is connected via at least one signal line to a processing unit as part of an additive manufacturing setup, for in situ and real time quality control of a running additive manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: EMPA EIDGENÖSSISCHE MATERIALPROFÜNGS-UND FORSCHUNGSANSTALT
    Inventors: Kilian Wasmer, Sergey Shevchik, Farzad Vakili Farahani, Georgios Violakis, Sébastien Vaucher
  • Patent number: 10464268
    Abstract: Provided are composite feedstock strips for additive manufacturing and methods of forming such strips. A composite feedstock strip may include continuous unidirectional fibers extending parallel to each other and to the principal axis of the strip. This fiber continuity yields superior mechanical properties, such as the tensile strength along strip's principal axis. Composite feedstock strips may be fabricated by slitting a composite laminate in a direction parallel to the fibers. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the slit strips may be changed by reattributing material at least on the surface of the strips and/or by coating the slit strips with another material. This cross-sectional shape change may be performed without disturbing the continuous fibers within the strips. The cross-sectional distribution of fibers within the strips may be uneven with higher concentration of fibers near the principal axis of the strips, for example, to assist with additive manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John C. Waldrop, III, Matthew S. Thompson, Michael W. Hayes, Stephen R. Heinz
  • Patent number: 10357924
    Abstract: Provided are composite feedstock strips for additive manufacturing and methods of forming such strips. A strip may include continuous fibers extending parallel to the principal axis of the strip. The cross-sectional distribution of these continuous fibers may be uneven. Specifically, the fibers may be concentrated near the center of the strip and may be positioned away from at least some portions of the strip surface. A strip may be formed by laminating a layup of one or more fiber-containing plies and one or more of resin plies. The position of the different types of plies in the layup is used to control distribution of the fibers and other materials within the strip. The laminated sheet is slit into multiple strips in a direction parallel to the continuous fibers. The cross-sectional profile of the slit strips may be later changed without disturbing orientation of the continuous fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John C. Waldrop, III, Michael W. Hayes, Gregory James Schoepen Hickman
  • Patent number: 10132032
    Abstract: An imitation leather including a three-dimensional textile supporting material and a PVC-based covering that is applied to one side of the supporting material and includes three successively applied layers. The first layer of which is applied directly to the supporting material without an adhesion-promoting glue layer, the second layer of which is embodied as an intermediate layer and applied directly to the first layer and the third layer of which serves as a top layer and is applied directly to the second layer. This invention also discloses a method for producing such an imitation leather and an interior component of a motor vehicle having a visible surface that is composed of such an imitation leather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KONRAD HORNSCHUCH AG
    Inventors: Birgit Kammerer, Sonja Kaspar, Gabriele Beate Wittmann
  • Patent number: 9944024
    Abstract: A production system for a wind turbine component is described. The system includes an elongate mold assembly extending in a longitudinal direction, the mold assembly comprising a mold surface and having a width that varies in the longitudinal direction. First and second tracks are defined respectively on opposite longitudinal sides of the mold surface. The perpendicular distance between the respective tracks varies along the length of the track. A transport assembly is moveable relative the mold assembly in the longitudinal direction. The transport assembly includes a pair of side supports arranged to move along the respective tracks, and a gantry supported above the mold assembly by the side supports. The gantry extends transverse to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Andrew Hedges, Damien Rajasingam
  • Patent number: 9944042
    Abstract: A waterproof breathable material has a higher strength-to-weight ratio and higher tear resistance-to-weight ratio than traditional materials, and may be applied in a wide field of potential uses. A non-woven composite material comprises at least one waterproof breathable (W/B) membrane, a first unidirectional non-woven composite layer having multiple fibers enclosed by adhesive in parallel to each other, a second unidirectional non-woven composite layer having multiple fibers enclosed in adhesive in parallel to each other. The first unidirectional non-woven composite layer is positioned such that the fibers are oriented 90° relative to the fibers of the second unidirectional non-woven composite layer, and a space is formed between the first and second multiple fibers. No adhesive is present in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CUBIC TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Adams, Roland Joseph Downs, Keith Joel McDaniels
  • Patent number: 9851182
    Abstract: A macro fiber for a composite article may include a plurality of inner fibers. Each one of the inner fibers may have an inner fiber final cross-sectional size of less than approximately 100 nanometers. The inner fibers may be surrounded by matrix material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Wilenski, Michael P. Kozar
  • Patent number: 9660429
    Abstract: A electrical wire protection tube and a wire harness that can prevent breakage of a wire arranged in the handle swing portion of a two-wheeled vehicle. The electrical wire protection tube includes a tube main body portion made up of ring-shaped ribs and small-diameter short tube portions that are a resin molded body and are alternatingly arranged in a single line so as to form one passageway for an electrical wire. Each ring-shaped ribs has a maximum-diameter ridgeline portion and first and second truncated cone surface portions that are respectively located on different sides of the ridgeline portion and are inclined toward the small-diameter short tube portions. When the tube main body portion is bent into a U shape, the small-diameter short tube portions stretch on one side such that the first and second truncated cone surface portions of adjacent ring-shaped ribs come into close contact on the opposite side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Morichika Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9358755
    Abstract: A waterproof breathable material has a higher strength-to-weight ratio and higher tear resistance-to-weight ratio than traditional materials, and may be applied in a wide field of potential uses. A non-woven composite material comprises at least one waterproof breathable (W/B) membrane, a first unidirectional non-woven composite layer having multiple fibers enclosed by adhesive in parallel to each other, a second unidirectional non-woven composite layer having multiple fibers enclosed in adhesive in parallel to each other. The first unidirectional non-woven composite layer is positioned such that the fibers are oriented 90° relative to the fibers of the second unidirectional non-woven composite layer, and a space is formed between the first and second multiple fibers. No adhesive is present in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: CUBIC TECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Adams, Roland Joseph Downs, Keith Joel McDaniels
  • Patent number: 9278493
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for producing conveyor belts having a rope core, for example a wire rope core, comprising at least one rope unwinding unit having a plurality of rope reels, from which the ropes to be embedded in the conveyor belt are unwound, a combining unit in which the ropes, which are under tensile stress and run in the longitudinal belt direction parallel to one another in one plane, are combined with one or more raw rubber webs to form a raw belt, and a vulcanization press in which the raw belt is vulcanized by means of pressure and/or heat forming the conveyor belt. Said system is characterized in that the rope unwinding unit is designed as a rope unwinding and tensioning unit, in which each rope is individually tensioned to the required production tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMPELKAMP MASCHINEN—UND ANLAGENBAU GMBH
    Inventors: Steffen Aumueller, Gerhard Hirschka, Axel Weiss
  • Patent number: 9034133
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing polyurethane (PU) foam toys with no restriction on playing environment comprises steps as follows: (1) Placing the prefabricated flexible cover into the foaming mold, and then vacuuming to firmly attach the cover to the inner wall of the mold; (2) Spraying adhesives at the periphery and the interior of the flexible cover while maintaining the continuous vacuum pressure; (3) Injecting the mixed polyurethane into the foaming mold; (4) Closing the mold and performing condensation reaction; (5) Opening the mold to get the product. The present invention is about the production of polyurethane form toys by formulating polyurethanes and binding the interior polyurethane body and flexible cover with adhesives. Because of its resilient and sturdy characteristics, the thermoplastic flexible cover provides protection to the interior polyurethane foam body, effectively eliminating problems like mildew growth, difficulties of cleaning and preventing damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Kwong Lam Thomas Chow
  • Patent number: 8974621
    Abstract: A composite friction unit of a three dimensional composite body is formed of a substantially uniform array of predominately glass strands of primary reinforcing fibers in matrix of phenolic resin material, the reinforcing fibers in the form of fabric distributed throughout the body forming a friction unit having a predetermined size and configuration and uniform distribution and alignment of fibers throughout. An alternate friction unit includes a substantially rigid or rigid backing co-pultruded in forming the unit. The units are produced in a pultrusion process wherein the reinforcing fibers and matrix are pulled through a forming die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: AscenZ Friction & Brake LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin V. Booher
  • Patent number: 8961720
    Abstract: A method of bonding first and second strands onto a substrate traveling along a machine direction in a plane of travel. The method includes moving the first and second strands in the machine direction relative to a nozzle having a nozzle body with first and second liquid discharge passages, and first and second side-by-side notches. The first and second strands are guided for movement by engaging closed ends of the respective first and second notches. Open ends of the first and second notches are oriented or directed non-perpendicular to the plane of travel of the substrate. Liquid adhesive is dispensed onto the first and second strands from the liquid discharge passages and the first and second strands are bonded to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Harris, Alan Ramspeck
  • Patent number: 8790475
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a novel method for forming a loop member of a hook-and-loop fastener assembly. According to one embodiment, the method comprises continuously providing a plurality of yarns in a predetermined pattern; plastically deforming the yarns into a desired loop shape; continuously providing a web of substrate; and directly securing the yarns that have been plastically deformed into a desired loop shape to the substrate with a bonding process, thereby a loop member of a hook-and-loop fastener assembly having both a high fastening strength and a high engagement stability may be manufactured speedily, massively and at a low cost. The embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Paiho Limited
    Inventor: Allen Cheng
  • Patent number: 8771449
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method for making disposable diapers so improved that no displacement of the absorbent core from the middle between a pair of the leg elastic members. The method comprises the step P1 of bonding under tension elastic members to webs continuously fed in a machine direction MD to form front and rear sheet members the step P2 of bonding an absorbent panel provided along opposite long sides of a rectangle with a pair of elastic members for a crotch region and including an absorbent core bonded thereto so as to be symmetric about an imaginary center line bisecting a distance between a pair of the elastic members for the crotch region to the front and rear sheet members at regular intervals and the step P3 of cutting the front and rear sheet members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Shunsuke Takino, Yuki Maeda, Hiroyuki Tanji
  • Publication number: 20140144577
    Abstract: A method of bonding first and second strands onto a substrate traveling along a machine direction in a plane of travel. The method includes moving the first and second strands in the machine direction relative to a nozzle having a nozzle body with first and second liquid discharge passages, and first and second side-by-side notches. The first and second strands are guided for movement by engaging closed ends of the respective first and second notches. Open ends of the first and second notches are oriented or directed non-perpendicular to the plane of travel of the substrate. Liquid adhesive is dispensed onto the first and second strands from the liquid discharge passages and the first and second strands are bonded to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael W. Harris, Alan Ramspeck
  • Patent number: 8720517
    Abstract: A system and method applies a plurality of stretched elastic strands onto a substrate such as along a predetermined non-linear path, to form a leg gather of a disposable absorbent personal hygiene product. The system includes an adhesive dispensing module for individually applying adhesive to the elastic strands. A heated strand guide located downstream of the dispensing module includes guide openings for the respective elastic strands. A drive mechanism coupled to the strand guide actuates movement of the strand guide in a direction transverse to the movement direction of the substrate, thereby causing the elastic strands to be applied to the substrate along the predetermined non-linear path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Wesley C. Fort
  • Publication number: 20140024279
    Abstract: A dimensionally stable bonded nonwoven fibrous web formed by extruding melt blown fibers of a polymeric material, collecting the melt blown fibers as an initial nonwoven fibrous web, and annealing the initial nonwoven fibrous web with a controlled heating and cooling operation, is described. The bonded nonwoven fibrous web shrinkage is typically less than 4 percent relative to the initial nonwoven fibrous web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael R. Berrigan, John D. Stelter, Ruth A. Ebbens, Sian F. Fennessey
  • Patent number: 8578996
    Abstract: In order to provide a sheet on which single yarns are densely adhered through a simple producing method and apparatus, and an improved channel with the same material, an apparatus for producing a sheet includes: a sheet supply roll supplying a sheet to a laminating roll; the laminating roll forming single yarns on the sheet supplied from the sheet supply roll; an extruder supplying a thermoplastic resin single yarn in a molten state to the sheet which passes the laminating roll through a nozzle; and a winding roll winding the sheet on which channels are formed by the single yarns attached to the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Kyul-Joo Lee
  • Publication number: 20130233472
    Abstract: A system and method applies a plurality of stretched elastic strands onto a substrate such as along a predetermined non-linear path, to form a leg gather of a disposable absorbent personal hygiene product. The system includes an adhesive dispensing module for individually applying adhesive to the elastic strands. A heated strand guide located downstream of the dispensing module includes guide openings for the respective elastic strands. A drive mechanism coupled to the strand guide actuates movement of the strand guide in a direction transverse to the movement direction of the substrate, thereby causing the elastic strands to be applied to the substrate along the predetermined non-linear path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wesley C. Fort
  • Patent number: 8480830
    Abstract: A method of making an elastic composite is provided. The method entails conveying a first web of material along a web plane path. The method also entails applying a first section of a first elastic strand onto the first web and generally transversely to the web plane path and applying a second section of a second elastic strand onto the first web and generally transversely to the web plane path. These applying steps are repeated while performing the conveying step, thereby arranging a plurality of first and second elastic elements on the first web, in generally parallel relation to one another. The resultant composite is suitable for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment, textile or fabric structure, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: DSG Technology Holdings Ltd
    Inventors: Anne Smid, Patrick King Yu Tsang, Andrew C. Wright, William Schieffelin Sayers
  • Publication number: 20130149164
    Abstract: An airfoil is fabricated by assembling cured skins with spars having cured spar webs and uncured spar chords. The skins are bonded to the spars by curing the spar chords.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Martin Wayne Hansen
  • Patent number: 8440043
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling absorbent articles, and more particularly, methods and apparatuses for severing elastic in an advancing elastic laminate. A continuous elastic laminate may be formed by bonding elastic strands between a first continuous substrate layer and a second continuous substrate layer. As discussed in more detail below, the continuous elastic laminate may advance through a cutting apparatus that intermittently deactivates or severs the elastic strands of the elastic laminate along the machine direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Uwe Schneider, Michael Brian Quade, Jose Angel Mercado
  • Patent number: 8394226
    Abstract: A composite friction unit of a three dimensional composite body is formed of a substantially uniform array of predominately glass strands of primary reinforcing fibers in matrix of phenolic resin material, the reinforcing fibers in the form of fabric distributed throughout the body forming a friction unit having a predetermined size and configuration and uniform distribution and alignment of fibers throughout. An alternate friction unit includes a substantially rigid or rigid backing co-pultruded in forming the unit. The units are produced in a pultrusion process wherein the reinforcing fibers and matrix are pulled through a forming die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Benjamin V. Booher
  • Patent number: 8388780
    Abstract: A process for producing a stampable reinforced composite semi-finished product comprising one or more plastics and chopped fibers or continuous filaments, the softening temperature of which is above the highest of the softening temperatures of the materials, comprises the steps of: depositing the fibers or filaments, especially by gravity, onto a conveyor; sprinkling particles of a powder of the plastics onto the fibers or the filaments, in a proportion of between 5% and 90% of the total weight; blending the particles with the fibers or the filaments; and heating the blend to a temperature above the softening temperatures of the materials. The blending step includes subjecting the blend to at least one electric field approximately perpendicular to the direction of advance of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fibroline France
    Inventors: Laurence Caramaro, Joric Marduel
  • Patent number: 8372231
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing. A fiber layer and a first porous bonding layer are formed to form a unidirectional lay-up of fibers. The unidirectional lay-up of fibers is heated under pressure to form a unidirectional composite tape. A first plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a first layer from the unidirectional composite tape. A second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a second layer from the unidirectional composite tape on the first layer at a predetermined angle from the first layer. At least one of the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape are slit while laying down the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape. A composite fabric is formed from the first and second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas Karl Tsotsis
  • Patent number: 8323436
    Abstract: A transparent, reinforced, composite polymeric fiber that has a polymeric body portion made from a first thermoplastic polymer that is transparent to visible light. The fiber includes polymeric reinforcement elements embedded within the polymeric body portion. The polymeric body portion extends between and about the polymeric reinforcement elements. Each polymeric reinforcement element is formed from a second thermoplastic polymer that is transparent to visible light. The peripheral portion and outer surface of the polymeric body portion defines a peripheral portion and outer surface, respectively, of the transparent, reinforced, composite polymeric fiber. A plurality of the fibers are formed into an array that is processed with a consolidation process to form a transparent, reinforced, composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Michael Sennett, Elizabeth A. Welsh, Jean M. Herbert, Phillip M. Cunniff
  • Patent number: 8303761
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a curved element made of composite material includes: preparing at least one dry, flat reinforcing layer with curved fibers. A resin film is combined with the dry, flat reinforcing layer, and heat and pressure are applied in controlled manner to bring about the infusion of the resin into the reinforcing layer and to obtain at least one layer of pre-infused material. At least one prepreg layer is prepared with straight fibers impregnated with resin compatible with the resin of the pre-infused material. The layer of pre-infused material and the prepreg layer are superimposed on one another to obtain a layered structure. The layered structure, arranged on a shaped support tool is subjected to a polymerization cycle to obtain the curved element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Alenia Aeronautica S.p.A., Cytec Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Sabato Inserra Imparato, Vincenzo De Vita, Luca Di Tommaso, Marc Andrea Doyle
  • Patent number: 8303759
    Abstract: A method for the production of a laminate material for hook and loop closures, particularly for diaper closures, comprises laminating a textile material onto a carrier film having a surface structure that is suitable for forming a connection with the hooks of a hook and loop closure. The textile material is not connected with the carrier film over its entire area, and the textile material forming the cover layer of the laminate material is brushed after lamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Mondi Gronau GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Baldauf
  • Publication number: 20120222679
    Abstract: Reinforced filter media are prepared by adhering discrete, non-intersecting strands of thermoplastic or thermoset materials to the filter media web. The filter media may be a fabric, a nonwoven web or a filtering foam. The reinforced filter media can be used to prepare respirators, including flat-fold respirators or molded respirators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Seyed A. Angadjivand, Marvin E. Jones, Philip G. Martin, John M. Brandner
  • Publication number: 20120157904
    Abstract: The invention relates to a textile fabric made of a fleece comprising a super absorbing activation, to a method for producing the textile fabric, to a covering surrounding the textile fabric, to a cooling system using the covering and to a covering designed as a cooling item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Gabriele Stein
  • Publication number: 20120146553
    Abstract: A blumlein assembly incorporating a solid-state switch is presented. In the exemplary embodiment, a semiconductor switch is placed between first and second conducting strips, with dielectric material filling in the space between the strips on either side of the switch. A third conductive strip, parallel to the other two strips, is separated from the middle one of the strips by another dielectric layer. Rather than having the switch attach directly to the dielectric material on either side, a holder or carrier structure is used, which may be formed of several pieces or of a monolithic structure. The holder is formed of a material whose dielectric constant is closer to that of the switch than the dielectric material on either side, but whose boundary with the dielectric on either side has at least a portion that extends in a non-orthogonal direction with respect to the conducting strips. The arrangement allows the structure to withstand higher electric field levels without breakdown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Vladimir Andreevich Joshkin, Antonios Zografos, Dave Pearson
  • Publication number: 20120111483
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Uwe Schneider, Randall Allen Myers, Christoph Johann Schmitz, Martin Geoffrey Scaife
  • Patent number: 8168024
    Abstract: A method is provided for making an elastic composite for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment. An elastic element applicator is provided that is configured to move a section of a continuous strand of elastic element generally about a plane. A first web of material is conveyed in a first web moving direction such that the first web intersects the plane. Then, the applicator is operated to move the elastic element about the plane, thereby applying the section of elastic element onto the first web along a direction generally transverse to the web moving direction and such that the first web draws the continuous elastic strand from the elastic element applicator as the first web is conveyed away from the plane. The elastic element applicator may be in the form of a spin cylinder or bracket that is operated to spin the elastic element about the moving first web, thereby applying the elastic element on the first web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: DSG Technology Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Shu Edward Chang, Anne Smid, Patrick King Yu Tsang, Andrew C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20120088063
    Abstract: A composite article comprises a substantially transparent matrix and at least one substantially transparent organic fiber embedded within the matrix. The matrix and the organic fiber may have substantially equivalent refractive indices within a wavelength band of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael P. Kozar, Mark S. Wilenski
  • Patent number: 8152949
    Abstract: A method for forming a large diameter and very long pipe comprises forming a plurality of pultruded segments via pultrusion and joining the segments along the lengthwise edges thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Bailey, Alan K. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120082558
    Abstract: Wind turbine systems and methods are disclosed herein. A representative system includes a wind turbine blade having an inner region that has an internal load-bearing truss structure, and an outer region that has an internal, non-truss, load-bearing structure. In particular embodiments, the truss structure can include a triangular arrangement of spars, and/or can include truss attachment members that connect components of the truss without the use of holes in the spars. Spars can be produced from a plurality of pultruded composite members laminated together in longitudinally extending portions. The longitudinally extending portions can be connected at joints that interleave projections and recesses of each of the spar portions. The blades can include fan-shaped transitions at a hub attachment portion, formed by laminated layers and/or a combination of laminated layers and transition plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Myles L. Baker, Cory P. Arendt, Bernard G. Madrid, Sheldon Vilhauer
  • Patent number: 8127818
    Abstract: A method of jointing a cord fabric when the cord fabric for topping is alternately drawn from two supply positions for continuous supply. During drawing to supply of the cord fabric on one side, a start end portion of the cord fabric on other side is locked to hold by a locking pin of a jointing holder, and is set to a jointing mounting portion in a state where an unvulcanized jointing rubber member is pasted thereto. When a final end of the cord fabric on the one side comes closer, a finish end portion thereof is pasted to the start end portion of the cord fabric held by the holder by interposing the rubber member therebetween. The finish end portion and the start end portion are squeezed for joint from upper and lower sides by press members, thereafter, the holder is removed, and the cord fabric on the other side is drawn to supply continuously to the cord fabric on the one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Takatsuka, Taizo Yamamoto, Makoto Koumo, Yu Hatayama
  • Patent number: 8123911
    Abstract: The invention relates to a felt belt, especially a press felt for a paper—, cardboard or tissue machine, with a basic structure that is formed by (a) a longitudinal reinforcement module extending on the width and length of the felt belt, including (1) a laid longitudinal thread structure on the width and the length of the felt belt which is formed by at least one longitudinal thread extending essentially in longitudinal direction of the belt, and (2) one carrying layer which is bonded with the laid longitudinal thread structure and extends on the width and the length of the felt belt, as well as (b) one cross reinforcement module which has the same length and width as the felt belt which is located on and bonded with the longitudinal reinforcement module which is formed by a plurality of cross reinforcement module segments, each of which extend on the width of the felt belt, and only on part of the length of the felt belt and which are arranged in tandem in longitudinal direction of the felt belt and which to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Köckritz, Matthias Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20120017926
    Abstract: Improved delivery of additive materials to cigarettes is provided through the use of one or more oval capsules containing releasable additive materials, such as flavor components, in the filter section of a cigarette. The oval capsule or capsules are provided between first and second absorbent members and have the long axis thereof arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cigarette. When the capsules are subjected to an external force, such as squeezing, by a smoker prior to or during smoking of the cigarette in order to release at least a portion of the additive material and expose the additive material to mainstream smoke passing through the filter. The capsules provide a barrier between the additive materials and other cigarettes components, such as sorbents or filter materials, in order to reduce additive material migration into the other cigarette components prior to desired use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios D. Karles, Jeffrey Lynn Allen, Jose Nepomuceno
  • Patent number: 8100173
    Abstract: A continuous method for producing incontinence articles in the form of pants for receiving body excrements utilizes crotch sections comprising absorbent bodies and having leg cut-outs formed by a first contour cut. Two partial webs are joined to the crotch sections in such a fashion that one end of the crotch sections overlaps one partial web in a longitudinal direction transversely to the machine direction, and the other end thereof overlaps the other partial web, and the crotch sections are disposed at a separation from each other in the machine direction. A second contour cut is performed that includes the partial webs on their mutually facing edge sections for forming substantially curved leg cut-outs. The article is then folded and the partial webs are joined transversely to the machine direction at a separation from each other for forming side seam areas of the incontinence article to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Paul Hartmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Fridmann Hornung, Benjamin Wenzel, Wolfgang Ostertag
  • Patent number: 8062448
    Abstract: A plurality of unidirectional sheets (30a, 30b, 30c) are superposed in different directions and they are bonded together. At least one of the unidirectional sheets is made by spreading a tow so as to obtain uniform thickness, width not less than 5 cm, and a weight of no more than 300 g/m2, cohesion being imparted to the sheet so as to enable it to be handled prior to being superposed with other sheets. Advantageously, the unidirectional sheets are made of carbon fibers and are obtained by spreading out large tows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignees: Snecma Propulsion Solide, Hexcel Reinforcements
    Inventors: Bruno Bompard, Pierre Olry, Renaud Duval, Alain Bruyere, Dominique Coupe, Jean Aucagne
  • Patent number: 8057616
    Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a unique nonwoven fabric which has the appearance of a woven fabric includes a supply station for parallel warp yarns, a support structure for orienting the parallel warp yarns into a cylindrical orientation, a weft yarn applicator for wrapping weft yarns around the cylindrically oriented warp yarns after an adhesive scrim has been overlaid onto the warp yarns, a heating station for activating the adhesive and a cooling station for setting the adhesive, and a cutter for severing the cylindrically formed fabric laminate so that it can be flattened and wrapped onto a take-up roller. The weft yarn applicator including a rotating drum wherein a plurality of spools of weft yarn material are mounted in circumferentially spaced relationship and a tensioner is provided for applying the weft yarn material around the warp yarns in a predetermined tension which may be the same as, greater than, or less than the tension in the warp yarns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B Colson, Paul Swiszcz, David Hartman
  • Publication number: 20110268945
    Abstract: A curable laminate vehicle body shell component (10) comprising thermosetting resin, at least three fibre structural layers (12, 16) and at least one damping layer (14), wherein the ratio of the number of structural layers (12, 16) to damping layers (14) is at least 3:1 and such that, when cured by exposure to an elevated temperature, the component (10) becomes a rigid body shell is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Hexcel Composited, Ltd.,
    Inventor: John Cawse
  • Publication number: 20110256339
    Abstract: A stab and ballistic resistant material, comprising a stab-resistant layer and a ballistic resistant layer, wherein the stab-resistant layer comprises at least one layer, wherein each layer is constituted of two units, each of which is formed from perpendicularly combined high strength and high module unidirectional fiber prepreg strips, adjacent units are combined with rotated 45°, and the stab-resistant layer has membranes adhered to both sides; the ballistic resistant layer comprises at least one layer, wherein each layer is constituted of two units, each of which is formed from perpendicularly combined unidirectional fiber prepreg strips, adjacent units are combined with rotated 90°, and the ballistic resistant layer has membranes adhered to both sides. The invention also provides a method for preparing the above stab and ballistic resistant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: HUNAN ZHONGTAI SPECIAL EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nianci Yang, Zhiquan Wu, Mingquing Lin, Chuanquing Wu, Bo Gao, Yunbo Zhou, Haijun Lin, Yuanjun Zhang, Wanqi Zhou, Yong Guo
  • Publication number: 20110250378
    Abstract: Patterned spunbond fibrous webs include a population of spunbond filaments captured in an identifiable pattern corresponding to a patterned collector surface and bonded together without the use of an adhesive prior to removal from the collector surface. The webs may exhibit a high degree of filament orientation and/or a gradient of filament density in one or more directions determined by the patterned collector surface. Methods of making patterned spunbond fibrous webs, and articles including patterned spunbond fibrous webs made according to the methods, are also disclosed. In exemplary applications, the webs may be used in gas filtration articles, liquid filtration articles, sound absorption articles, surface cleaning articles, cellular growth support articles, drug delivery articles, personal hygiene articles, or wound dressing articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Bradley W. Eaton, Michael R. Berrigan, John D. Stelter, Timothy J. Diekmann