Memory Plastic Element Patents (Class 285/381.4)
  • Patent number: 11644632
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an optical device that includes a multicore fiber including a plurality of cores and a fan-in/fan-out device including single-core fibers that are respectively connected to the cores based on a plurality of connection combinations when the multicore fiber is rotated. The method includes: a first step of determining an optical loss for each of the cores while changing the connection combinations between the single-core fibers and the cores; and a second step of selecting one of the connection combinations according to a result of the first step and connecting an end portion of the multicore fiber and an end portion of the fan-in/fan-out device to connect the single-core fibers with the cores based on the one of the connection combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Ohmori, Norihiro Ishikura, Hitoshi Uemura
  • Patent number: 10927987
    Abstract: Ducting and/or duct couplings can be formed from shape memory polymer material, with the material for example being additively manufactured. The use of shape memory polymer material for one or more of the duct portions may allow for easier installation of the ducting, for example allowing the ducting to be warped and/or bent to fit into or through places that are hard to reach or hard to maneuver through, with the ducting then heated to cause it to return to a predetermined memory shape. The coupling of duct portions together may be accomplished by the duct portions including a shape memory polymer material, with for example ends of the duct portions fitted together, and then heated to use a shape memory property of the material to effect coupling. Heating of the shape memory polymer material also softens the material, allowing it to move to a previously set shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Frederick B. Koehler, Ward D. Lyman, Delmar L. Barker, Teresa J. Clement
  • Patent number: 8870236
    Abstract: Methods of joining pipe section and joined pipe assemblies are described. The pipe sections, e.g., pipes and couplers, are joined by a mechanical interference bond formed using a shape memory polymer key. The key can be inserted into a first keyway of one pipe section, the pipes fitted to align first keyway with a second keyway of the second pipe section, and the shape memory polymer activated to at least partially fill both keyways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Michael A. Kropp, Kevin M. Lewandowski
  • Patent number: 6439621
    Abstract: A tubing coupling and a method for connecting tubing sections in which one tubing section is placed upon another tubing section in an overlapping manner. The first tubing section (1) is enlarged in the cold state in the area (2) where it overlaps, and the enlarged area is then placed over the second tubing section (3). Subsequent heating of the enlarged area (2) results in shrinkage of the first tubing section (1) which produces a firm seating of the first tubing section (1), for example a plastic suction tube as an air inlet tube, on the second tubing section (3), for example a flange for attachment to the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Altmann, Rudolf Leipelt
  • Patent number: 6206430
    Abstract: A fitting and attachment assembly including a connector having a conventional proximal end and a distal end having a barbed portion thereon; said distal end being mateable with fluid delivery tubing. The mating end portion of said tubing including a separable annular collar in abutting relationship with the end of said tubing and a severable heat-shrinkable sleeve positioned externally of said tubing. A mechanism is further provided for severing said sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Inter-Med, LLC.
    Inventors: Gary J. Pond, Michael S. Butler
  • Patent number: 6170885
    Abstract: The invention is a device for providing a clamping force about a connection end of elastomeric hose or tubing. The device includes an at-least-twice-oriented polymer having a shrinkage response to each of at least two diameter reducing release temperatures, which is sized and formed into a band. The clamp is self-adjusting over a substantial working life. The band may be installed onto connection ends of hose or tubing and fixtures such as couplings, inserts or stems without the external application of heat, preferably preselecting the first diameter reducing release temperature to be at roughly room temperature. The clamp displays improved constrictive forces over prior art polymer clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Stuemky