With Mass Application Of Nonadhesive Fibers Or Particles Between Laminae Patents (Class 156/276)
  • Patent number: 6468378
    Abstract: This invention relates to a light transmitting filter comprising (a) light absorbing layer having a first and second surface, (b) microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and (c) an optically clear, substantially uniform, conformable layer covering the microspheres, wherein the microspheres provide light tunnels through the light absorbing layer. The invention also relates to methods of making the same. The invention also relates to a method of preparing a light transmitting filter comprising the step of laminating a clear substantially uniform conformable layer over transparent microspheres embedded in a light absorbing layer wherein the transparent bead form light tunnels through the light absorbing layer. The light transmitting filters of the present invention have improved light throughput and improved angularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Hannington
  • Patent number: 6451153
    Abstract: A method of preparing particles of a lignocellulosic material for the manufacture of a finished product, such as a particle board, includes the steps of chemically modifying the lignocellulosic material by impregnating the lignocellulosic material with a suitable anhydride in a non-aqueous solvent; applying to the particles of lignocellulosic material an adhesion promoter to promote the adherence of a thermoplastic resin to the surfaces of the particles of lignocellulosic material; and applying to the particles a thermoplastic resin in dry powder form, so that after the application of the adhesion promoter, the thermoplastic resin adheres to the surfaces of the particles of lignocellulosic material, the thermoplastic resin having been surfaced modified by irradiation or by fluorination; and removing any solvent present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Tower Technologies (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Michael Windsor Symons
  • Patent number: 6444080
    Abstract: The invention relates to process for roughening thermoplastic films and roughed films. The invention further relates to process for preventing thermoplastic packaging films from slipping on each other and a suitable system for such purpose. The essence of the roughening process is that practicles consisting of the same polymer as that of the film and/or other plastic material being able to weld together with that, and having suitable size and/or abrasion resistance are brought to the surface to be roughened of semi-finished product having sufficient reserved heat content to maintain condition appropriate for welding said particles on said thermoplastic film surface to be roughened or on one or on both film surfaces being re-heated to such temperature and are dispersed in suitable closeness and configuration and that condition of the roughened surface is maintained until desired welding process is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: József Mandzsu, Sen., József Mandzsu, Jr., Zoltán Mandzsu
  • Publication number: 20020108708
    Abstract: A metallized composite includes a thermoplastic sheet and at least one discontinuous layer of metal within the thermoplastic sheet. The discontinuous metal layer can be disposed between two thermoplastic layers that are bound together, such as by melting the layers together, pressing, or by use of an adhesive. The metallized composites of the invention can be employed as reflective surfaces, such as are used as mirrors or substitutes for chrome trim on automobiles. A particularly preferred metal as a component of the discontinuous layer of the composite is indium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Adam Murano
  • Publication number: 20020068161
    Abstract: A wood composite board or panel, such as particleboard, fiberboard, oriented strand board or waferboard and a method of producing the same. The composite board or panel comprises a plurality of wood pieces, thermoset resin to bind the wood pieces and a filler having a high thermal conductivity. Examples of such a filler include natural and synthetic graphites, metal, carbon, silicon carbide and other similar compounds and their mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Board of Control of Michigan Technological University
    Inventors: Laurent Malanda Matuana, Julia A. King
  • Publication number: 20020059706
    Abstract: The method of forming a light-weight, fiber-reinforced, particularly glass fiber-reinforced-thermoplastic resin product includes the steps of melting and mixing thermoplastic resin pellets containing parallely oriented fibers 2-100 mm long, injecting the melted resin into a cavity which is closed so that its volume is smaller than that of the final molded product, and, before or after the resin injection is completed, opening the cavity until its volume is equal to that of the final molded product. Unlike the conventional injection-molded products, this product does not require a foaming agent and, if it uses any, requires only a small amount of foaming agent. The product thus formed is light in weight and has fibers uniformly entangled inside, providing an excellent appearance of the surface. Further a skin layer is formed over the surface. These features combined with the reinforcement by the glass fibers offer high strength and high stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: MANABU NOMURA, YASUNOBU YAMAZAKI, TOMOKAZU ABE, KAORU WADA, TAKAYOSHI TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20020051861
    Abstract: A method of forming a cold detect on a substrate comprising the steps of applying an adhesive to a surface of a substrate and applying an intimate mixture of an indicator and a finely-divided moisture absorbent carrier to the adhesive-coated substrate to form a cold detect. The cold detect may be used as a closure adhesive to seal an adhesively-closable container, such as a security bag for bank notes or forensic evidence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Antony Brian Jennings
  • Patent number: 6372078
    Abstract: A method and resultant product for bonding a polyester resin to plastic. Preparation of a polyester resin bonded to plastic includes the steps of: (1) grinding the surface of a plastic body to create a plurality of fine plastic hairs protruding from the surface; (2) depositing liquid polyester reinforced with glass over the protruding plastic hairs, whereby the plastic hairs are substantially encapsulated and surrounded by the liquid polyester; and, (3) allowing the polyester resin to cure. Consequently, at the interface of the polyester resin and the plastic, a mechanical cohesive bond is created via the substantial encapsulation of the plastic hairs by the polyester resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Ronnie L. Melchert, Patrick W. Brady
  • Publication number: 20020013112
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layered web uses contoured honeycomb drums for the manufacture of non-woven webs used to make the multi-layered web. The method can use spunbonded, melt blown, or electro-static spun techniques for depositing solidifying filaments on outer collection surfaces of a multi-drum system. The multi-drum system may be employed to improve multi-layered web uniformity and the overall quality of the multi-layered web by presenting a single optimal collection surface for each independent web layer being produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: George J. Bontaites, George Lee
  • Publication number: 20010054478
    Abstract: A sure and efficient manufacturing method of a translucent type screen using micro glass beadsis probided. A carbon toner is scattered onto micro glass beads which are buried and fixed in a UV curable resin layer, and the carbon toner is uniformly filled in the gaps between the micro glass beads by a rotating brush or a press roll or the like. The supply and filling of the carbon toner may be simultaneously performed by an air jet nozzle. Subsequently, an extra fine fiber cloth, sticky tape, sticky roll or the like is continuously brought into contact with the upper surface of the carbon toner to remove the carbon toner at the light emission portion of the micro glass beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Watanabe, Tomotaka Ito
  • Publication number: 20010032701
    Abstract: A method for producing a wave absorber, which method includes rubbing a mixture of a solidifiable fluid binder and a particulate dielectric loss material on a substrate and solidifying the binder, thereby to laminate a wave absorptive layer on the substrate, and a wave absorber produced by this production method are provided. According to the production method of the present invention, a structure including a dielectric loss material and a binder admixed most preferably for wave absorption can be formed easily into a long sheet or a long belt-like wave absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Teruaki Kawanaka, Eiichi Oohira, Toshio Kudo, Takahiro Kariya, Takayoshi Mitsui
  • Patent number: 6303207
    Abstract: A fiber glass mat especially useful for bonding to wood contains glass fibers and a “B” staged resin, and the method of making the mat, are disclosed. A substantial portion of the resin binder can be a furfural alcohol, phenol formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, or any other resin that can be “B” staged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Emil Kajander
  • Publication number: 20010025457
    Abstract: A method for making an abrasive material comprising a plurality of hard particles providing the abrasive quality distributed in a retaining matrix for holding the particles in place, the method comprising the steps of placing a mask having openings therein against a carrier capable of supporting a plurality of the particles, providing an affixing capability to an outer side of the mask remote from the carrier to which hard particles will adhere, applying a plurality of hard particles to the outer side of the mask so that a portion of the particles pass through the openings of the mask and form a pattern of the particles on the carrier corresponding to the openings of the mask and another portion of the particles adhere to the mask, separating the mask containing the hard particles adhered to it from the carrier leaving the pattern of the particles on the carrier, at least partially surrounding the particles on the carrier with a retaining matrix material, and heating the retaining matrix material to cause the
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Naum N. Tselesin
  • Patent number: 6290800
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminate particularly adapted for bedding, padding upholstering and like applications by feeding an indeterminate length of a first material along a predetermined first path of travel from a source of the first material to a downstream assembly area. Feeding an indeterminate length of second material along a predetermined second path of travel from a source of the second material to the downstream assembly area. Depositing a multiplicity of substantially yieldable cushioning materials upon an upper surface of one of the first and second indeterminate lengths of material during the feeding thereof between the respective sources and the assembly area. Thereafter, sandwiching the cushioning materials between the indeterminate lengths of first and second materials to form a laminate therefrom, and rolling the laminate into a roll. The cushioning materials are foam latex and/or down and the first and second lengths of material are polyester fiber material and/or convoluted foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventors: Steven Antinori, Manuel Fernandez, William Harp
  • Patent number: 6265333
    Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite material comprising a resin matrix and primary reinforcement fibers and further comprising secondary, smaller diameter, reinforcement fibers at one or more ply interfaces, or portion thereof, provides improved interlaminar toughness, strength, and delamination resistance without substantial reduction of in-plane properties and without substantial increase in weight. In one embodiment, the small fibers are attached to one side of a conventional prepreg prior to lamination. The small fibers are flexible and are expected to conform to the shape and distribution of the primary reinforcing fibers at the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Regents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Inventors: Yuris A. Dzenis, Darrell H. Reneker
  • Patent number: 6261402
    Abstract: A sure and efficient manufacturing method of a translucent type screen using micro glass beadsis probided. A carbon toner is scattered onto micro glass beads which are buried and fixed in a UV curable resin layer, and the carbon toner is uniformly filled in the gaps between the micro glass beads by a rotating brush or a press roll or the like. The supply and filling of the carbon toner may be simultaneously performed by an air jet nozzle. Subsequently, an extra fine fiber cloth, sticky roll or the like is continuously brought into contact with the upper surface of the carbon toner to remove the carbon toner at the light emission portion of the micro glass beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Watanabe, Tomotaka Ito
  • Publication number: 20010006089
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for manufacturing particle deposited body comprising supplying, under sucking condition, particles entrained by air on a continuous carrier sheet which is running at a prescribed direction to deposit the particles on the carrier sheet, thereby obtaining a particle deposited body comprising the particles and the carrier sheet, the carrier sheet having an air-permeability of 4.0 seconds/(300 ml·32 pcs.) or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Kenji Ando, Kenichi Sato, Yasuhiro Umeki, Hiroshi Hirasawa, Kazuyuki Maeda
  • Patent number: 6255139
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a new method for improving the reliability of cooling designs using thermal paste to cool chips in semiconductor modules and structure thereof. More particularly, the invention encompasses a structure and a method that uses surface chemistry modification of the inside of the thermal cooling caps where it contacts thermal paste. The internal surface of the cap is modified by embedding particles that have the same chemical composition as one or more of the solids used in the thermal paste. The particles may be embedded in the cap by casting, grit blasting, or pressing the particles permanently into the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Edwards, Patrick A. Coico, Sushumna Iruvanti, Frank L. Pompeo, Raed A. Sherif, Hilton T. Toy
  • Patent number: 6251214
    Abstract: The invention provides a fibre reinforced composite, such as a glass-fibre composite in which one or more layers (4) carry an image or design. The image or is preferably printed onto one or more layers (4) of the composite which are then formed into the article required. By utilising the fibre reinforcement to carry the image or design, it is possible to create articles with complex curved surfaces having an image as part of the structure and without using a foreign layer to carry the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Minera Pty Limited
    Inventor: Bruce John Ritchie
  • Patent number: 6248202
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing individual layered structures and the structures themselves. A continuous layered structure is provided. The continuous layered structure has designated cutting regions and includes a particulate material between the layers. At least one of the layers is permeable to liquids. A thermoplastic material in liquid state is applied to the continuous layered structure over at least part of the designated cutting regions to provide the designated cutting regions with a joining means. The thermoplastic material is made of natural or synthetic polymers, or mixtures thereof. The thermoplastic material has a softening point, as measured according to the ASTM Method E 28-67, lower than 120° C.; a viscosity at 130° C. lower than 0.05 Pa.s; and a temperature range in which the viscosity changes between 0.05 Pa.s and 0.35 Pa.s which is greater than 5° C. The thermoplastic material is allowed to set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Italo Corzani, Michael Divo
  • Patent number: 6217981
    Abstract: An adhesive sheet is disclosed including a flexible substrate (4), and an adhesive layer (20) formed on at least one of the main surfaces of the flexible substrate and containing elastic microspheres (3), in which the adhesive layer has a) an elastic microsphere layer which is in contact with the main surface of the flexible substrate, comprising elastic microspheres (3) and a tacky polymer (2) and has projections containing said elastic microspheres on a surface which is not in contact with said substrate, and b) a layer of tacky polymer (1) which covers the projections containing the elastic microspheres so that raised portions are formed on an adhesion surface (11). Bubbles of air can then escape during application and use because the adhesion surface has a contact area percentage in the range between 20 and 90%. A method of making the adhesive sheet is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mamoru Kanno, Hidetoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 6197149
    Abstract: An insulating varnish comprising a resin component, electrical insulating whiskers, and if necessary, one or more additives such as an ion adsorbent, and/or an organic reagent for preventing injury from copper, produced by adding the additives to the resin component and the whiskers, or filtering the whiskers, or milled by using a beads mill or a three-roll mill, or the like, is excellent for producing a multilayer printed circuit board having high wiring density, high reliability and excellent other electrical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Kobayashi, Yasushi Kumashiro, Atsushi Takahashi, Koji Morita, Takahiro Tanabe, Kazunori Yamamoto, Akishi Nakaso, Shigeharu Arike, Kazuhisa Otsuka, Naoyuki Urasaki, Daisuke Fujimoto, Nozomu Takano
  • Patent number: 6162321
    Abstract: Several variations in full-color additive gyricons are shown. Each gyricon shown has been designed for ease of construction by eliminating the need for precise placement of rotating elements, alignment between the gyricon layers, if any, and alignment between the gyricon sheet and the addressing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander E. Silverman
  • Patent number: 6139663
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming a continuous structure includes the steps of preselecting a liquid reactive resin forming material, a particulate solid additive material and a porous blanket, mixing and encapsulating the additive particles with the liquid resin forming material while tumbling the materials along a cylindrical mixing chamber. The leading edge of the structure is grasped with a gripping device along its entire length and advanced over a horizontal supporting surface. Once a desired length has been formed a cutting device cuts the structure and the cut portion is placed into a final configuration while flexible and adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: LeRoy Payne
  • Patent number: 6120872
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable shower mat for application to the bottom of a bathtub or shower stall, and comprised of a thin flexible, generally rectangular base sheet of water-impervious material, and a top sheet, coextensive with the base sheet, of a thin, pliable water-impervious material. A multitude of randomly curled wood fibers is distributed over the upper surface of the base sheet, and a layer of heat-activated adhesive secures the top sheet to the base sheet and affixes the wood fibers therebetween in such a manner that the upper surface of the top sheet is embossed with the impressions of the wood fibers so as to provide a textured slip-resistant surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Danyale Julia Deshon
  • Patent number: 6106654
    Abstract: Process for the manufacturing of a decorative thermosetting laminate with a wear-resistant and a scratch resistant surface layer, wherein a continuous paper web is impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin, that one side of the web is coated with hard particles with a size of 30-90 .mu.m. After drying, the other side is coated with a melamine-formaldehyde resin containing hard particles with an average particle size of 1-15 .mu.m. The paper is, after drying, placed as the uppermost sheet in a laminate with the side coated with the smallest particles directed upwards towards a continuous pressure surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Perstorp AB
    Inventors: Per-Erik Velin, Nils-Joel Nilsson, Kent Lindgren
  • Patent number: 6083332
    Abstract: Plush textured multicolored flock transfers are obtained which have the appearance of a direct flocked article and the manufacturing and application advantages of a flock transfer. The method of manufacture includes applying sequentially to an adhesive coated base sheet different colored flocks which can be greater than 0.5 mm long through predetermined areas of masked screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: High Voltage Graphics, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis B. Abrams
  • Patent number: 6083615
    Abstract: A structure is formed of at least two structural elements that are bonded together with an electrically conductive organic adhesive system. The adhesive system is a mixture of an organic adhesive such as a thermosetting epoxy and a filler of electrically conductive carbon particles having a porous, sponge-like structure. In one application, the structural elements are exterior panels of a spacecraft coated with an electrically conductive paint, and in other applications the structural elements are not coated. The adhesive system permits static electrical charge to flow through otherwise insulated joints to equalize the static potential throughout the structure and eventually to dissipate the charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn E. Long, Robert A. Burns, Randall J. Moss
  • Patent number: 6059915
    Abstract: A retroreflective applique (10) includes a supporting structure (12), a layer of optical lens elements (14), and a reflective material (16). The layer of optical lens elements (14) is partially embedded in the supporting structure (12), and the reflective material (16) is disposed on the embedded portion of the layer of optical lens elements (14). The supporting structure (12) may contain a binder layer (24) and a heat-activatable adhesive layer (26). The binder layer (24) includes a non-filamentary acrylic polymer layer. The use of such a supporting structure (12) eliminates the need for a release liner on the rear surface (20) of the heat-activatable adhesive layer (26), and it also enables a carrier web (28) to be separated from the polymeric supporting structure (12) before the applique (16) is permanently secured to a substrate. The separation step can be accomplished without causing substantial harm to the retroreflective performance of the applique (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Vera L. Lightle, Britton G. Billingsley
  • Patent number: 6054631
    Abstract: In a method of making high-absorbency articles for use in wound care, incontinence, ostomy applications, and other more varied uses, a loose high-absorbency powder is arranged between a pair of sheets. The sheets and powder are compressed in certain areas. Loose powder is extracted e.g. by vacuum or gravity, and by cutting and sealing, packet-like articles are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventor: John A. Gent
  • Patent number: 6051313
    Abstract: A yarn is formed from discontinuous parallel fibers which are not twisted d which are held together by a covering yarn of sacrificial material wound around the fibers. The fibers comprise an intimate mixture of fibers of at least two different natures selected from carbon fibers or pre-oxidized polyacrylonitrile based carbon precursor fibers, or anisotropic or isotropic pitch based carbon precursor fibers, or phenolic or cellulosic based carbon precursor fibers, and ceramic fibers or ceramic precursor fibers. The mixture of fibers comprises, in its carbon state, at least 15% by weight of high strength fibers, having a tensile strength of at least 1500 MPa and a modulus of at least 150 MPa, and at least 15% by weight of fibers with a low Young's modulus of at most 100 GPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Nationale D'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs D'Aviation
    Inventors: Pierre Olry, Dominique Coupe, Renaud Duval, Amina Zerdouk
  • Patent number: 6045650
    Abstract: A process is described for applying a solid coating onto a surface of an article. The surface of an article has a first physical property measurable as a degree of hydrophobicity and/or hydrophilicity. A liquid coating of an oxidizable material containing at least one element other than carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen is applied onto the surface of the article. The oxidizable material is oxidized on the surface to attach an oxidized material having said at least one element other than carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen onto said surface. This process thereby changes the first physical property with respect to its hydrophobicity and/or hydrophilicity. The process is relatively gentle to the underlying surface, at least in part because of the moderate temperatures which may be used for oxidation, and a wide range of properties may be provided onto the surface by appropriate selection and/or mixing of the liquid material and selection of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Sunsmart, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Mitchnick, Garry Gwozdz, William A. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 6029280
    Abstract: An inflatable applique for a fabric article which may be attached to an article of clothing after it is fully manufactured comprising a top and a backing layer of vinyl which are sealing affixed to one another creating a substantially airtight enclosure, a heat-fusible layer disposed on the outside of the backing layer, and an anti-sealing treatment disposed between some or all portions the top and backing layers to prevent fusing of those portions during attachment of the applique to an article of clothing. In the method of manufacture, the top and backing layers are welded together before attachment of the enclosure to a clothing article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Printmark Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Sloot
  • Patent number: 6004422
    Abstract: Microstructured articles of the invention comprising, in order: a) a retroreflective microstructured member; b) a sealing layer melt-bonded to the microstructured member; and c) a backing member. The backing member is a fibrous web comprising a plurality of multifilament strands and is melt-bonded to the second surface of the sealing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Janovec, James C. Coderre, James E. Lasch, Kenneth L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5980678
    Abstract: A composite abrasive material is formed by coating a mesh-type material substrate with an adhesive, contacting the substrate with a quantity of hard, abrasive particles, then removing all particles not held by the adhesive within the openings of the mesh-type material. The particles are surrounded with a sinterable matrix material while the particles are temporarily held by the adhesive. The substrate can have the adhesive applied in a pattern, or covering uniformly to cause the particles to adhere in certain areas to achieve a desired pattern. While the particles are held on the substrate, physical force can be applied to orient the particles uniformly; then, a powder can be applied, or the substrate can be applied to a preform. Subsequent treatment with heat and pressure will complete the composite abrasive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ultimate Abrasive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Naum N. Tselesin
  • Patent number: 5965076
    Abstract: A method for fabricating soft tissue implants using a mold. The cavity surface of an initially untextured mold, made of an organic material such as epoxy, is given a thin film coating of material that has pinholes and is resistant to atomic particle bombardment. The mold cavity surface is then subjected to atomic particle bombardment, such as when placed in an isotropic atomic oxygen environment. Microscopic depressions in the mold cavity surface are created at the pinhole sites on the thin film coating. The thin film coating is removed and the mold is then used to cast the soft tissue implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Bruce A. Banks, Sharon K. Rutledge
  • Patent number: 5961763
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a laminate suited for use in producing disposable absorbent products comprising a nonwoven web formed from randomly dispersed fibers bonded with a crosslinked vinyl acetate/ethylene adhesive and a particulate polymeric absorbent entrapped within the laminate in fixed location by means of adhesively bonding the nonwoven web to itself or to another substrate, the improvement which comprises utilizing a nonwoven web incorporating an acrylic or vinyl acetate/ethylene adhesive having the following characteristics, and further, said nonwoven web adhesively bonded to itself or to another substrate through the crosslinked acrylic or crosslinked vinyl acetate/ethylene adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kambiz Bayat Makoui, Joel Erwin Goldstein
  • Patent number: 5944933
    Abstract: A method for distributing a zeolite, including molecular sieve, powder having a median particle size of less than about 350 microns includes controlling the moisture content of the zeolite particles to greater than about 3 percent and thereafter refining the powder to reduce the size of agglomerated clusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Norbert Heller, Ellyn Louise Conger, Steven Wayne Fitting
  • Patent number: 5942321
    Abstract: A headliner is a laminate of multiple layers. The layers include polyurethane foam, agricultural fibers, a decorative material, and a backing. The agricultural fiber is jute, sisal, or kenaf or mixtures thereof. The method of making the headliner laminate includes making the sheet of agricultural fibers incorporating a binder, saturating a foam layer with an adhesive, putting one sheet of agricultural fibers on each side of the foam layer, applying the decorative material and backing to one side each, and squeezing the layers together to distribute the adhesive to all the layers and laminate them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Findlay Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Floyd E. Romesberg, J. Daniel Asbury, William J. Young
  • Patent number: 5938872
    Abstract: Two embodiments of a method for metallizing a phosphor layer are presented. The key to the method is covering the phosphor with a temporary planarizing layer onto which the metallizing layer (typically aluminum) is then deposited. Once the metal layer is in place, the planarizing layer is removed (by a burning process), the metal then making good contact with the phosphor and the substrate. In the first embodiment, the dry film is located below the phosphor layer while in the second embodiment it is located above it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: De-An Chang, Chao-Chi Peng
  • Patent number: 5928455
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of making connections by gluing terminals or like components to a resistive track for a heating plate. A terminal for use in this method is also disclosed. Fine lamellae are cut out from one or more areas of the base of the terminal, which is coated with a conductive resin. The conductive resin is then dried and cross-linked to glue the terminal to the resistive track. During this step, the lamellae serve as drains to evacuate the bubbles of gas that form. Applications include heating plates for kettles or similar heating receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Martine Dizin, Henri Piera, Michel Sarrazin, Jacky Veniat
  • Patent number: 5925210
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a composite arrangement, at least one printed circuit board substrate is joined with a support under the influence of an applied pressure exerted by a press die over a weave layer (prepreg) impregnated with resin, such that the resin in the region of an opening of the printed circuit board substrate does not flow into this opening. The applied pressure is, therefore, at least partially reduced in the region of the opening of the printed circuit board substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Wagenbrenner, Thomas Wiesa, Ralph Schimitzek
  • Patent number: 5919178
    Abstract: A method for producing an absorbent structure intended for use in an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, incontinence guard, diaper, wherein the absorbent structure is produced by laying a layer of essentially superabsorbent material between two layers of defibered and moisturized cellulose pulp or tissue, whereafter the composite structure is calendared between one or more pairs of heated rolls, wherewith the layer of superabsorbent material binds in itself and forms a stable layer, which binds to the surrounding cellulose pulp layers or tissue layers. The absorbent structure exhibits excellent absorption properties and can be made very thin. The structure can be manufactured without superabsorbent material being spread around the manufacturing machine during the production process, or escaping from the finished absorbent article when packaging, transporting or using the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: SCA Molnlycke AB
    Inventor: Urban Widlund
  • Patent number: 5912062
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and processes wherein recycling of waste carpets and textiles is achieved by coating the individual yarn fibers with a low viscosity adhesive that is dispersed or dissolved in a suitable solvent to affect coverage of the fine fibers, and arranging the coated fibers in layers to affect the most desirable physical properties and then cured to provide a high modulus matrix for the coated fibers in the laminate structure. The fibers may be from unshredded or shredded waste carpets, shredded waste woven or non woven fabrics, fabric bits, and knitted fabrics. When the carpet is used in an as received condition, the face yarns, which may contain one or more components yarns, are coated and the carpets are arranged in a sandwich construction wherein the backings of the two carpets are placed back-to-back, e.g., (F-B-(B-F).sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Abraham M. Kotliar, Stephen Michielsen
  • Patent number: 5908704
    Abstract: Optical and firescreening protective glazing laminates comprising fluoropolymer interlayer films are described. The films and their laminates comprise THV and blends of THV with FEP, ECTFE or ECCTFE, and modified with additives, such as coupling agents, pigment or color concentrates, and IR- or UV- light blockers, and may be subjected to a surface corona treatment. The films also may incorporate a fiber mesh for additional reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Norton Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Friedman, Louis Laucirica, Glenn T. Visscher
  • Patent number: 5897928
    Abstract: Methods and articles for reinforcing castable compositions through the use of reinforcing elements maintained in a close-packed alignment in a dispersible containment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James F. Sanders, Larry D. Rich, Clifford N. MacDonald, L. Max Hurlocker
  • Patent number: 5895544
    Abstract: A method of providing a predetermined set distance apart between two members in article manufacture. This involves clamping the members together with a mixture of an adhesive and glass microspheres between opposing surfaces of the members, the microspheres being of specific grid size. The largest diameter microspheres are gripped between the opposing surfaces thereby determining the distance between the members. The invention is particularly useful for precise location apart between members with small gaps therebetween, e.g. less than 3 mil. It is useful particularly for magnetic device cores of small dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Roger C. Finn, Raymond K. Orr
  • Patent number: 5885701
    Abstract: An odorant composition in the form of a colloidal suspension. A colloidal suspension odorant composition comprised of a colloidal material and a liquid fragrance component is provided. A package comprised of a multiple layer top substrate and a multiple layer bottom substrate is also provided. The colloidal suspension odorant composition may be packaged in the vapor impermeable package and the combination may be used to supply test quantities of odorants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Fragrance Technology Trust
    Inventors: Michael J. Berman, Michael A. Parrotta, Frank Flynn
  • Patent number: 5863288
    Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent core structure comprising storage cells and acquisition cells that is useful, for example, for disposable absorbent garments. Within the storage cells of the absorbent core structure is disposed a quantity of superabsorbent material. The acquisition cells are devoid of superabsorbent material or other materials that would impede the movement of liquid therethrough and are preferably open. The acquisition cells can thus function as channels that allow liquids to be freely distributed within the absorbent core structure by mass flow and/or capillary action, thus helping to prevent gel blocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew T. Baker
  • Patent number: 5849124
    Abstract: In a method of preparing a composite flooring, a quantity of small stones is mixed with a predetermined quantity of liquid colorant in a mixing device for a predetermined period of time, to produce colored stones. The stones and colorant are in a ratio of about 400 lbs of stone to about 1 gallon of colorant. The colored stones are dried and are mixed with an epoxy resin. The mix of stones and epoxy resin is poured onto a floor surface and leveled, for example by troweling. One or more epoxy seal layers are thereafter preferably applied, and a wear layer of polyurethane is preferably applied over the one or more seal layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Colorstone, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Rusk, Jr., Joseph Mendez, Michael D. Fazio