Subsequent To Assembly Patents (Class 156/221)
  • Patent number: 11969930
    Abstract: An extrusion process for creating a roof ditch molding including forming a main body from a plastic material in a first stage extrusion, conveying the main body through a stacked array of die plates and into a first stage cooling tank, and communicating the main body from an outlet of the first stage cooling tank to a second stage extruder with crosshead die for applying a skim film bonding layer to the main body. Additional steps include applying a decorative layer over the skim bonding layer, communicating the main body to a third stage extruder with cross head die for applying wing portions in partially overlapping fashion along opposite side edges of the decorative layer and drawing the completed ditch molding through a second stage cooling tank prior to conducting one or more finishing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Bank of America, N.A., As Administrative Agent
    Inventors: Timothy John Brown, Kevin Charles Baxter, Gerald N. Strich
  • Patent number: 11923238
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a radio frequency device and a process for making the same. According to the process, a precursor wafer, which includes device regions, individual interfacial layers formed of SiGe, and a silicon handle substrate, is first provided. Each individual interfacial layer is over an active layer of a corresponding device region, and the silicon handle substrate is over each individual interfacial layer. A first bonding layer is formed underneath the precursor wafer. The precursor wafer is then attached to a support carrier with a second bonding layer. The first bonding layer and the second bonding layer merge to form a bonding structure between the precursor wafer and the support carrier. Next, the silicon handle substrate is removed from the precursor wafer to provide an etched wafer, and a first mold compound is applied to the etched wafer to provide a mold device wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventors: Julio C. Costa, Robert Aigner
  • Patent number: 11613053
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a secondary battery. According to the present invention, a problem of weakening durability of a pouch, which may occur in a process of forming cups having different depths in the pouch may be solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventors: Sei Woon Oh, Soo Ji Hwang, Jung Hwa Jung, Ho Sub Lee, Jin Seo Park
  • Patent number: 11577493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method capable of easily manufacturing a curved thin glass sheet and a curved joined glass sheet to which functionality is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Hak Oh, Ho Seong Kang, Jae Hyuk Yoon, Chang Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 11279523
    Abstract: A method of producing flexible polypropylene fabric bags with heat fused seams comprising providing fabric pieces, wherein each fabric piece has a coated side and an uncoated side; positioning fabric pieces so that a coated side of one fabric piece faces a coated side of another fabric piece; selecting an area of fabric to be joined for forming a seam or joint; applying heat to the area to be joined that is less than the melting point of the fabrics, for forming one or more seams or joints and wherein the heat fused seams or joints of a resulting polypropylene bag retains at least 85% of the fabric strength without using sewing machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: AMERIGLOBE, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford Dunlap, Daniel R. Schnaars, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11267600
    Abstract: A tape closure system is shown and described herein. The tape closure system includes a first tape component having a pressure sensitive adhesive and a second tape component having a pressure sensitive adhesive, where at least one of the pressure sensitive adhesives has a modified surface to reduce the tack of the surface such that when the first and second pressure adhesives are brought into contact with one another they may sufficiently adhere to one another to form a seal but are still separable from one another and able to be repeatedly opened and sealed. Such a tape may be manufactured through high speed manufacturing processes and wound into large master rolls. In the roll configuration, the modified surface contacts the backside of the liner and experiences compressive forces in the roll. Due to the compressive forces, a part of the modified surface may get pushed into the PSA, thereby affecting the properties of the modified adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: FLEX R&D, INC.
    Inventors: Prakash Mallya, Ramin Heydarpour, David Nicholas Edwards, William Ben Bower
  • Patent number: 11254081
    Abstract: The invention relates to a paper profile (1), in particular for a packaging element or packaging equipment of food packaging. The paper profile (1) has an elongated shape. The paper profile (1) is formed by at least one round or almost round, flexurally rigid paper rod (3) or a plurality of round or almost round, flexurally rigid solid paper rods (3). The flexural rigidity of the paper profile (1) corresponds in at least one bending direction to the flexural rigidity of one of the rigid paper rods (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Setter GmbH & Co. Papierverarbeitung
    Inventors: Steffen Grasse, Roland Hulkenberg, Leo Wins, Franz Jochem
  • Patent number: 11186055
    Abstract: A method includes positioning a first polymer sheet on a substantially first flat surface of a tool, positioning a second polymer sheet on the first polymer sheet, and moving a second substantially flat surface of the tool into contact with the second polymer sheet. The method also includes maintaining a gap between the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet at a predetermined area and heating one of the two substantially flat surfaces of the tool to heat one of the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet. The method further includes joining the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet together at locations outside of the predetermined area to define a peripheral bond of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Hopkins, Matthew W. Thornton
  • Pad
    Patent number: 11084711
    Abstract: This invention provides a mat, comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface; a porous structure located between said upper surface and said lower surface, said porous structure including silica gel. The mat according to this invention can be used as, for example, a pillow, seat cushion, back cushion or mattress, or part of a chair seat or chair back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: SHARPWELL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Kim Ching Yeung
  • Patent number: 10926523
    Abstract: Techniques for modifying surfaces of electrodes are provided. An electrode surface can be processed by applying an abrasive material or chemical solution to or against the surface to modify the surface to reduce the amount of roughness on, and/or alter the shape of, the surface. The shape of the surface can be altered by rounding or doming the surface. During surface processing, flexible or compressible support material can be applied to the back of an abrasive material, such as sandpaper, to desirably distribute pressure from the support material to the sandpaper and/or mold the shape of the sandpaper to facilitate maintaining desirable contact by the sandpaper on electrode surfaces. With regard to a flexible circuit board on which electrodes are formed, a vacuum chuck component or a temporary abrasive can be used to hold the circuit board in a flat and stationary position during surface processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Sensel, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Gregory Isaacson, Ilya Daniel Rosenberg, Stephanie Jeanne Oberg, Brogan Carl Miller
  • Patent number: 10787552
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head includes forming a water-repellent layer containing a condensate of a first hydrolyzable silane compound and a second hydrolyzable silane compound, and irradiating the water-repellent layer with light including a light ray having a wavelength of less than 270 nm, wherein the first hydrolyzable silane compound contains a fluorine-containing group but no carbonyl group between the fluorine-containing group and a silicon atom, and the second hydrolyzable silane compound contains a fluorine-containing group and a carbonyl group between the fluorine-containing group and a silicon atom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Ikegame
  • Patent number: 10661030
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a syringe assembly including a syringe and a tamper evident cap disposed over a Luer connection of the syringe, the tamper evident cap having a main body that defines a proximal end defining an opening, a distal end opposite the proximal end along the axial direction, an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface that defines a passage to receive a tip cap and the Luer connection, where the tamper evident cap is spaced from the tip cap. The main body further defines a frangible connection between the proximal and distal ends of the main body. The frangible connection can break under a force applied to the distal end of the tamper evident cap such that the proximal end of the tamper evident cap remains engaged with the syringe when the frangible connection breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Murray, Anthony Ferraro, Gang Ju, Robert Speek
  • Patent number: 10654604
    Abstract: A tape closure system is shown and described herein. The tape closure system includes a first tape component having a pressure sensitive adhesive and a second tape component having a pressure sensitive adhesive, where at least one of the pressure sensitive adhesives has a modified surface to reduce the tack of the surface such that when the first and second pressure adhesives are brought into contact with one another they may sufficiently adhere to one another to form a seal but are still separable from one another and able to be repeatedly opened and sealed. Such a tape may be manufactured through high speed manufacturing processes and wound into large master rolls. In the roll configuration, the modified surface contacts the backside of the liner and experiences compressive forces in the roll. Due to the compressive forces, a part of the modified surface may get pushed into the PSA, thereby affecting the properties of the modified adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: FLEX R&D INC.
    Inventors: Prakash Mallya, Ramin Heydarpour, David Nicholas Edwards, William Ben Bower
  • Patent number: 10625030
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a syringe assembly including a syringe and a tamper evident cap disposed over a Luer connection of the syringe, the tamper evident cap having a main body that defines a proximal end defining an opening, a distal end opposite the proximal end along the axial direction, an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface that defines a passage to receive a tip cap and the Luer connection, where the tamper evident cap is spaced from the tip cap. The main body further defines a frangible connection between the proximal and distal ends of the main body. The frangible connection can break under a force applied to the distal end of the tamper evident cap such that the proximal end of the tamper evident cap remains engaged with the syringe when the frangible connection breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Murray, Anthony Ferraro, Gang Ju, Robert Speek
  • Patent number: 10550942
    Abstract: A seal comprising a jacket comprising an annular body defining a central axis and a recess extending into the annular body concentric to the central axis, wherein the jacket comprises at least 30 wt % of a PTFE and at least 10 wt % of a filler material, and wherein the filler material comprises a boron-containing material, a nitrogen-containing material, a titanium-containing material, a silicon-containing material, a carbon fiber, a glass fiber, or a combination thereof; and an energizing element disposed in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mohammad R. Badrossamay, Yuri Ebata
  • Patent number: 10494130
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a label to a spool or reel containing wire and a wire tail extending from the spool or reel, the apparatus including a gripping mechanism, wherein the gripping mechanism engages and rotates the spool or reel, a wire tail sensor coupled to the gripping mechanism, wherein the wire tail sensor identifies the location of the wire tail protruding from the spool or reel, and a label application mechanism, wherein the labeling mechanism applies a label to the spool or reel and wherein the label does not contact the wire tail protruding from the spool or reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Encore Wire Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Bigbee, Jr., Clifton S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10464845
    Abstract: A first glass substrate, a die including a penetrating space, a seat member, and a punching member are set so as to be arranged in this order. Subsequently, the seat member is punched by the punching member to remove part from the seat member through the penetrating space of the die. The part removed, is placed on the first glass substrate by the punching member so as to allow the part to serve as at least one spacer. Thereafter, the second glass substrate is placed on the first glass substrate with the at least one spacer in-between to form a glass panel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Nonaka, Eiichi Uriu, Tasuku Ishibashi, Hiroyuki Abe, Haruhiko Isikawa
  • Patent number: 10450023
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle manufacturing method includes the steps of expanding a foamable material to form the foamable material into a semi-finished saddle body, and performing a thermoforming process to form the semi-finished saddle body into a saddle in a forming mold. As a result, the bicycle saddle manufacturing method of the present invention can avoid waste of material and environmental pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: VELO ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsai-Yun Yu
  • Patent number: 10393136
    Abstract: A fan wheel for propelling cooling air for an internal combustion engine, including a hub on which a plurality of fan blades is arranged and which includes a rib structure that extends peripherally and has substantially rectangular and flat ribs having an edge region. The ribs sit on the hub by the edge regions thereof and have a longitudinal direction that extends substantially tangentially to the circumferential direction of the hub, the ribs being in contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Aschermann
  • Patent number: 10384414
    Abstract: Cellular matrices generally having a plurality of generally identical cells (open-ended geometric prisms) arranged to form a repeating geometric form, and characterized by radiant and/or convection barriers at each cell to mitigate undesired thermal transmission in a plurality of directions there through. Barriers of various embodiments include non-film sheet material, such as non-woven (e.g., spun) or batting-type sheet material as well as a foam sheet material, which may be substituted for some or all of the film material otherwise comprising the matrix, and/or integration of a thermally reflective film or coating into the matrix and/or enveloping panels of an inflatable body to provide enhanced thermal radiation mitigation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Cascade Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: James Marson
  • Patent number: 10336169
    Abstract: A door weather strip includes a molded portion and an insert member. The molded portion includes an attachment base, an extension, and a sealing portion. The sealing portion includes a sealing lip and a molded hollow sealing portion. The extension is divided by a slit into an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion. The insert member includes a base extending in the circumferential direction in the attachment base, an intermediate section extending in the circumferential direction in the inner peripheral portion, and a stay portion extending to the outer peripheral side in the outer peripheral portion. The width of at least the section of the stay portion that crosses the molded hollow sealing portion in the circumferential direction is set smaller than the widths in the circumferential direction of the base and the intermediate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bhushan A Kanphade
  • Patent number: 10175428
    Abstract: A method of bonding an optical fiber in a ferrule includes disposing the ferrule at least partially in a conductive assembly such that a conductive element of the conductive assembly contacts a portion of the ferrule. Energy delivered to the bonding agent via thermal transfer from the conductive element brings the bonding agent to a securing temperature. Cooling the bonding agent to secure the optical fiber in the bore of the ferrule. Related systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Andrey Kobyakov, Aramais Robert Zakharian
  • Patent number: 9957062
    Abstract: Fire- and electromagnetic interference (EMI)-resistant aircraft components and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. A thermally and electrically conductive coating material layer is formed on at least a portion of an intermediate article comprised of a non-metallic material. The thermally and electrically conductive coating material layer is comprised of a metal. A fire-retardant material layer is cold sprayed on the thermally and electrically conductive coating material layer. At least one continuous electrically conductive element may be integrated with the non-metallic material of the intermediate article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Anh-Tuan Ngo, Brian G. Baughman, Jim Balonis, Donald G. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 9797448
    Abstract: The bearing provides an inner race, an outer race and a wear race that is made of synthetic material and fastened to one of the races. The wear race is overmolded on at least one face of the race. The face includes at least one retention means that is covered with the synthetic material of the wear race and shaped to allow both the axial retention and the angular retention of the wear race relative to the race by shape complementarity with the wear race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Benoit Arnault, Philippe Walter
  • Patent number: 9793502
    Abstract: A display device includes: an insulating substrate having flexibility and including a bent portion that is bent at 90 degrees or more outside a display area provided with an image display function; and a spacer disposed inside the bent portion and including a curved area around which the bent portion is wrapped and a plane area facing the insulating substrate, wherein the insulating substrate includes a flat portion adjacent to the bent portion and provided so as to face the plane area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Saeki, Naohisa Ando
  • Patent number: 9707725
    Abstract: A method of making a sandwich-type, compression-molded, composite component having improved surface appearance is provided. Reinforced thermoplastic skins, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a cellulose-based core of a blank or stack of sandwich materials are heated to a softening temperature of the thermoplastics. The heated blank or stack is allowed to cool in the mold cavity until inner surfaces of the skins are bonded to top and bottom surfaces of the core by the sheets to seal core cavities. Air in the sealed cavities urges softened portions of the sheets and portions of the core inwardly towards the cavities of the core as the air in the cavities cools to inhibit debossing and improve surface appearance of a first outer surface of the blank or stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Global IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Darius J. Preisler, Christopher A. Heikkila
  • Patent number: 9649921
    Abstract: An interior side wall part of a rear die-molded corner part of a run channel is provided with a plate-shaped protrusion abutting on an interior seal lip at the time of upward and downward movement of a window pane, the protrusion extending in a direction from a base end side toward a distal end side of the interior side wall part along a wall surface of the interior side wall part. Accordingly, a force by which the interior seal lip presses the window pane to a vehicle exterior can be increased to increase a seal pressure. Also, the protrusion is formed so as to protrude obliquely from the wall surface of the interior side wall part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignees: TOKAI KOGYO CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eiichi Bessho, Yohei Inai, Katsuyoshi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 9580023
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement of a sensor element, in particular a camera, on a fastening element of a motor vehicle involves holding the sensor element on a holding element of the fastening element by means of a force generated by a spring region of a spring element and orientated in one direction. The spring element has a second spring region connected at least indirectly to the first spring region and running at angle to the first spring region, which the sensor element adjoins in a second direction that runs at an angle to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Emil Bruss, Andre Flemming, Martin Krug, Ulf Ritschel, Axel Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9453772
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sensor insole includes connecting wires of force sensors to a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board and the force sensors are positioned on a felt layer in a predetermined configuration, and placed in the mold. A urethane foam is then injected into the planar internal cavity of the mold to form a sensor sheet that includes a urethane layer, the felt layer, and the printed circuit board and the force sensors positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Medhab, LLC
    Inventor: Johnny Ross
  • Patent number: 9440401
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for forming a three-dimensional object on a lamination mandrel having preselected areas comprising raised surface features, and forming a laminate with raised or lowered areas in preselected locations on the laminate such that the part comprises a wrinkle-free surface. The object is preferably a non-ruled part comprising a substantially wrinkle-free surface, and, according to preferred variations, the object is selected from the group including, for example, a joggled blade stringer, a joggled hat stringer, a curved spar, a joggled skin, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Paul E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9417397
    Abstract: Conductive assemblies are disclosed for bonding an optical fiber in a ferrule by mounting the ferrule of a fiber optic connector in the conductive assembly and using the conductive assembly to convert laser beam energy to heat and apply the heat to a portion of a fiber optic ferrule sufficient to bond the optical fiber in the ferrule. In an exemplary method, an optical fiber is disposed in a bore of a ferrule. A portion of the ferrule is disposed in a conductive assembly, such that a conductive element contacts a portion of the length of the ferrule. A laser beam absorber absorbs light energy from a laser beam, and converts the energy to heat. The conductive element transfers the heat energy from the laser beam absorber to the ferrule, thereby heating the bonding agent and bonding the optical fiber in the bore of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Andrey Kobyakov, Aramais Zakharian
  • Patent number: 9109282
    Abstract: A method of deposition is provided in which a deposition operation can be immediately performed when a workpiece for deposition is carried into a deposition chamber irrespective of a shape or a structure of the workpiece for deposition. The workpiece for deposition is integrally molded with an assisting member, which is configured to maintain the workpiece for deposition in a predetermined orientation such that a deposition surface or a deposition portion thereof faces a target material when the workpiece for deposition is carried into a deposition chamber and is placed on a deposition stand, when the workpiece for deposition is injection-molded; and the workpiece for deposition is carried into the deposition chamber and is deposited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: THE JAPAN STEEL WORKS, LTD.
    Inventor: Shoso Nishida
  • Patent number: 9044380
    Abstract: A method for making a customized nipple for a pacifier or baby bottle. The method provides for molding an exact non-toxic material replica of the mother's breast, nipple, and areola area from a mold so that when the replica is filled with a non-toxic gel-like substance and adhered to a backing, the pacifier so created has the firmness, color, rigidity, and texture of the mother's natural breast, nipple, and areola area. Further, the simple to use mold is sent to a core facility which stores the identifying information with the mold once a first pacifier is created therefrom. Moreover, the mother can re-order or re-make the pacifier as needed over time. The pacifier so provided is a safe and effective pacifying device which promotes good emotional, muscular, and bone structure development for the baby, and at the same time, provides the mother with confidence and independence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventors: Luvina Sabree, LaShawna Heflin
  • Patent number: 9044379
    Abstract: A customized nipple for a pacifier or baby bottle which is provided with a method for molding an exact non-toxic material replica of the mother's breast, nipple, and areola area from a mold so that when the replica is filled with a non-toxic gel-like substance and adhered to a backing, the pacifier so created has the firmness, color, rigidity, and texture of the mother's natural breast, nipple, and areola area. Further, the simple to use mold is sent to a core facility which stores the identifying information with the mold once a first pacifier is created therefrom. Moreover, the mother can re-order or re-make the pacifier as needed over time. The pacifier so provided is a safe and effective pacifying device which promotes good emotional, muscular, and bone structure development for the baby, and at the same time, provides the mother with confidence and independence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventors: Luvina Sabree, LaShawna Heflin
  • Publication number: 20150129118
    Abstract: A tool for compression molding a composite laminate charge has a tool face for compressing the charge. A flexible tool feature on the tool face forms a shape in the charge and compensates for tool surfaces that may be out-of-tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory James Schoepen Hickman, Randall Dow Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20150104609
    Abstract: A cover device for a portable or mobile device, in particular for mobile phones, having a section configured to allow touch identification technology—such as fingerprint identification—already built into the portable device to work properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Randy Chiang, David Lean, Eric Frasch, Bryan Day
  • Publication number: 20150099093
    Abstract: A process is provided for making stiff, lightweight laminate materials. At least one sheet of textured lamina having raised pointed structures is forced against a softer plain lamina so as to embed the structures therein. The pointed structures raised from grooves carved into the surface of the sheet material by means of a set of teeth carried on a knife element. The pointed structures may pierce through the softer lamina such that the protruding tips may be bent over or clinched to prevent their easy withdrawal. Two such texturized lamina may be used to sandwich and pierce through the softer lamina and are co-clinched by the other. In this way a light and stiff laminate is created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Ray ARBESMAN, Nghi PHAM, Winston MACKELVIE
  • Publication number: 20150099091
    Abstract: A method for forming a thermoplastic composite material with continuous fiber reinforcement by stamping. A flat blank comprising a pre-consolidated stack of plies by automatic fiber placement of fibers referred to as the thermoplastic pre-impregnated fibers is obtained. The flat blank is reheated to a temperature greater than or equal to the melting temperature of the thermoplastic polymer making up the matrix of the thermoplastic pre-impregnated fibers. The reheated flat blank is hot stamped and the part formed between the stamping punch and die is consolidated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Didier Kurtz, Julie Vaudour
  • Publication number: 20150096670
    Abstract: An example fuel cell assembly may include a proton exchange membrane (or membrane electrode assembly) that has a first major surface and a second major surface. An anode electrode, which may include a patterned metal layer with a plurality of apertures extending through the patterned metal layer, may also be provided. An anode gas diffusion layer secured to an anode adhesive frame may be situated between the anode electrode and the first major surface of the proton exchange membrane. A cathode electrode may, in some instances, include a patterned metal layer with a plurality of apertures extending through the patterned metal layer. A cathode gas diffusion layer secured to a cathode adhesive frame may be situated between the cathode electrode and the second major surface of the proton exchange membrane. In some instances a fuel cell assembly may be flexible so that the fuel cell assembly can be rolled into a rolled configuration that defines an inner cavity with open ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
  • Patent number: 8995008
    Abstract: A system adjusts an original image for printing on a location on a medium that will be bossed after printing the adjusted image on the medium. The system comprises an interface for receiving information concerning a bossment to be implemented on the medium after printing the adjusted image on the medium; and an adjustor that makes an adjustment to the received image based on the information received by the interface. A method for operating the system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Laboratory U.S.A.
    Inventor: Kenneth Young
  • Publication number: 20150080858
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catheter includes wrapping a sheet of material having an inner adhesive layer around a reinforcement member. The catheter manufactured is a resilient tube having a channel extending therethrough. The resilient tube has an adhesive inner layer and a bendable reinforcement member which extends through the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Gerald Moss
  • Patent number: 8974618
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling a skin of a composite structure on an outer surface of an inner mold line layup mandrel. The systems and methods include receiving a plurality of ply kits, assembling the plurality of ply kits to form a skin segment that defines a portion of the skin, and affixing the skin segment to the outer surface of the layup mandrel. The assembling includes transferring a respective ply kit of the plurality of ply kits to a non-planar transfer tool, compacting the respective ply kit on the non-planar transfer tool, and repeating the transferring and the compacting for each ply kit in the plurality of ply kits to form the skin segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel M. Rotter, Paul Chih-Yung Chang, Brad A. Coxon, Paul E. Nelson, Kimberlee Madden, Henry Macias, Jennifer Sue Noel, Eugene H. Jeppesen, Kurtis S. Willden, Arvid J. Berg, Richard V. Phillips, Stephen Lee Metschan, Stephen K. Kirchmeier, Joseph D. Anderson, Scott A. Boner
  • Publication number: 20150063764
    Abstract: Lens assemblies including a substrate and a plurality of mechanically isolated lenses coupled to the substrate are disclosed. The substrate may have a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Optical connectors including the lens assemblies described herein, as well as methods of fabricating a lens assembly, are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens assembly includes a substrate having a first surface, and a lens layer including a plurality of lenses. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate is different from a coefficient of thermal expansion of the plurality of lenses. The lens layer is coupled to the first surface of the substrate, and each lens of the plurality of lenses is mechanically isolated from adjacent lenses of the plurality of lenses by gap regions within the lens layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther
  • Publication number: 20150044430
    Abstract: A system for diffusing wrinkles in a composite laminate may include at least one wrinkle diffuser. The wrinkle diffuser may include a diffuser body may be mounted to a tool in a manner such that a composite ply at least partially overlaps the wrinkle diffuser. A plurality of diffuser elements may be formed in the diffuser body to define a corrugated surface. The corrugated surface may cause a portion of the composite ply to assume a corrugated shape when a compaction pressure is applied to force the composite ply against the corrugated surface. The wrinkle diffuser may include an indexing feature to index the wrinkle diffuser to a ply edge of the composite ply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Tristan E. Lee, Andrew M. Hopkins, William T. Kline
  • Patent number: 8951375
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite part, such as a fuselage or internal stiffener, with a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus usable as both a rigid lay-up tool and a bladder. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. For example, cavities may be formed into the SMP apparatus for nesting components therein to co-bond or co-cure with the composite part. Next, composite material may be applied onto the SMP apparatus and then placed into a rigid external tool and heated to composite cure temperatures at which the SMP apparatus is malleable. A pressure differential may be induced which urges the SMP apparatus to compress the composite material against the rigid external tool. When the composite material is cured, the SMP apparatus may be urged away from the cured composite material and removed from within the composite part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Havens, Matthew C. Everhart, Randy Rex Kysar, Carl Ray Fiegenbaum, Jeffrey W. Priest, Delbert Leon Strelow, Kevin John Ford, Kristin Dru Pickell
  • Patent number: 8945325
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite part, such as a fuselage or internal stiffener, with a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus usable as a rigid lay-up tool. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. For example, cavities may be formed into the SMP apparatus for nesting components therein to co-bond or co-cure with the composite part. The composite material and/or nested components may be heated and compressed against the SMP apparatus. The SMP apparatus may be configured to remain rigid during the composite cure cycle. Once the composite material is cured, the SMP apparatus may be triggered to a malleable state and urged away from the cured composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Spirit AreoSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew C. Everhart, David E. Havens, Randy Rex Kysar, Carl Ray Fiegenbaum, Jeffrey W. Priest, Delbert Leon Strelow, Kodi Elizabeth Ann Caster
  • Patent number: 8936844
    Abstract: A composite chassis frame may include a primarily-formed core material having a steel core material and internal composite materials laminated on both surfaces of the steel core material, an internal core material disposed between the primarily-formed core materials, wherein the primarily-formed core materials may be laminated on both surfaces of the internal core material, and a secondarily-formed external composite material covering outer surfaces of the primarily-formed core materials and the internal core material as a skin material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Seung Hun Ryu
  • Patent number: 8882077
    Abstract: This invention relates seed layers and a process of manufacturing seed layers for casting silicon suitable for use in solar cells or solar modules. The process includes the step of positioning tiles with aligned edges to form seams on a suitable surface, and the step of joining the tiles at the seams to form a seed layer. The step of joining includes heating the tiles to melt at least a portion of the tiles, contacting the tiles at both ends of at least one seam with electrodes, using plasma deposition of amorphous silicon, applying photons to melt a portion of the tiles, and/or layer deposition. Seed layers of this invention include a rectilinear shape of at least about 500 millimeters in width and length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: AMG Idealcast Solar Corporation
    Inventor: Nathan G. Stoddard
  • Patent number: 8871047
    Abstract: In a material web which is printed in a digital printing station and moved in an advancement direction, a first material-web strand, which is formed by at least one printed material-web portion, is combined with a second material-web strand, which is formed by two printed material-web portions, by folding. The two material-web strands are connected to one another by an adhesive. Subproducts are then severed from the thus interconnected material-web strands by cross-cutting. These subproducts comprise a first printed sheet, severed from the first material-web strand, and a second printed sheet, connected to the first printed sheet and severed from the second material-web strand. The subproducts are then positioned one upon the other to form a stack, the subproducts being connected to one another by an adhesive in the region of the subsequent folding line. The stacked subproducts are then folded about a folding line to form an end product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hunkeler AG
    Inventors: Franz Hunkeler, Erich Hodel
  • Publication number: 20140311661
    Abstract: A process for producing a liquid ejection head having a substrate and an ejection orifice forming member having an ejection orifice for ejecting liquid, including forming, on the substrate, a photocationically polymerizable resin layer which includes a photocationically polymerizable resin material and becomes the ejection orifice forming member; laminating, on the uncured photocationically polymerizable resin layer, a layer containing a condensation product of a hydrolyzable silane compound having a cationically polymerizable epoxy group and a hydrolyzable silane compound having a fluorine-containing group; laminating a water-repellent layer including a hydrolyzable silane compound having a perfluoropolyether group on the condensation-product-containing layer; subjecting the photocationically polymerizable resin layer, condensation-product-containing layer, and water-repellent layer to pattern exposure; collectively curing exposed portions of the photocationically polymerizable resin layer, condensation-prod
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Tsutsui, Etsuko Sawada, Ken Ikegame, Hiroaki Mihara, Yohei Hamade