With Coating Or Impregnation Patents (Class 428/361)
  • Patent number: 6054196
    Abstract: A childproof package for active substance patches is formed as primary package and comprises at least one mechanically tough, in particular tear-resistant layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Koch, Frank Muller, Frank Becher
  • Patent number: 6051291
    Abstract: A heat protective sleeve for the protection of elongated members is disclosed, the sleeve having a first sheet of insulative material with an outer reflective layer. Oppositely disposed edges of the first sheet have means for joining the edges to a portion of the first sheet in overlapping relationship to form a tubular sleeve. A second insulative sheet is attached to the outer surface of the first sheet inward from the edges. The second sheet also has a reflective layer on its outer surface and is attached to the first sheet along its edges, parallel to the edges of the first sheet, thus, forming an air pocket between the sheets. A stiff monofilament wire bent into a spiral or other shape is disposed within the air pocket to maintain the pocket shape. In use, the air pocket is positioned facing a heat source and the sleeve interposes a reflective layer, an insulating layer, an air pocket, a second reflective layer and a second insulating layer between the elongated members and the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Systems Protection Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry F. Gladfelter, Michelle Geib
  • Patent number: 6051314
    Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous secondary coating compositions adapted to coat a sized fiber strand, the compositions including a urethane-containing polymer and a blend of a halogenated vinyl polymer and an elastomeric polymer. Another aspect of the present invention is a generally tubular assembly having a reinforcement coated with a primary layer of a sizing composition including a fiber lubricant which provides the assembly with an electrical resistance of greater than about 750 megaohms per 152.+-.13 millimeters of length of the assembly and a secondary layer including a halogenated vinyl homopolymer and a urethane-containing polymer. Another aspect of the present invention is a fiber strand formed from a thermoplastic or thermosetting material having a primary layer including a halogenated vinyl homopolymer and a urethane-containing polymer. The present invention also includes strands coated with the above-discussed coatings and polymeric composites and assemblies reinforced with the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventor: Mikhail M. Girgis
  • Patent number: 6045884
    Abstract: Woven fabric sleeves are comprised of interwoven glass fiber yarns or similar mineral or ceramic fiber yarns, and hybrid yarns or wires utilized as fill yarns. The fill yarns preferably consist essentially of glass or ceramic fibers with resiliently settable polymeric materials and/or resilient formable wires or combinations thereof. The wires or hybrid yarns are resiliently set to form resilient hoops yieldably imparting to the fabric side edges a tendency to move into adjacent or overlapping relationship. In one form of the method of making a sleeve, the hybrid fill yarns are resiliently set by placing the woven fabric in a folder, applying heat to cause the fill yarns to assume a set in the wrap around or folded condition and then cooling so that the product is resiliently maintained in the set condition. In an alternative method of making the product, the product is woven on a shuttle loom and one or more wires are used as fill yarns. The wires are fed from pretensioned spools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Systems Protection Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Hess, Janice R. Maiden, Joan Bitwinski
  • Patent number: 6045912
    Abstract: A long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin molding material in the form of pellets each having inorganic filaments arranged substantially in the same length and in parallel in the same direction in a matrix of a thermoplastic resin, wherein the exposed ratio E as defined by the following formula (1) is at most 60%, on at least one end surface in the direction of the filaments of each pellet:E=(e/N).times.100 (1)where E is the exposed ratio (%), e is the number of inorganic filaments with their cross-sections exposed on at least one end surface in the direction of the filaments of each pellet, and N is the total number of inorganic filaments arranged in the pellet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Asahi Fiber Glass Company, Limited
    Inventor: Masamichi Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6042911
    Abstract: A reshapable insulation assembly and a method of using such insulation assembly are provided. An insulation assembly of the invention of a type useful in the insulation of buildings includes a conformable mineral fiber batt extending in a first direction, wherein the batt has a perimeter in a cross-section that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and an exterior layer extending in the first direction and overlying the perimeter of the batt, wherein the exterior layer has a perimeter in the cross-section that is substantially greater than the perimeter of the batt. The exterior layer thereby loosely encapsulates the batt, whereby compression of the insulation assembly urges the assembly into a new shape with different dimensions in the cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarke Berdan, II
  • Patent number: 6037025
    Abstract: A reinforced rubber hose including an inner tube and a reinforcing yarn layer externally contacting the inner tube. The inner tube includes at least an inner-tube inside layer and an inner-tube outside layer, the inner-tube outside layer being formed of a vulcanized diene rubber composition, the inner-tube inside layer being formed of a vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile rubber composition. Both the diene rubber compound and the hydrogenated nitrile rubber composition are vulcanized by a sulfur vulcanization agent. Further, the diene rubber composition contains about 5 to 25 phr of talc, wherein the talc has an average particle diameter of about 1 to 5 .mu.m and an aspect ratio of about 5 to 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Matsunaga, Koichi Tangiku, Atsushi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6033765
    Abstract: The present invention provides a printed circuit substrate comprising a lightweight prepreg and a conductive layer. The prepeg having uniform formation, low linear thermal expansion coefficient and good mechanical strength, comprising a porous para-oriented aromatic polyamide film and a thermoplastic resin and/or a thermosetting resin, the porous para-oriented aromatic polyamide film being impregnated with the thermoplastic resin and/or the thermosetting resin, a process for producing the same, and a printed circuit substrate/board using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tsutomu Takahashi, Yoshifumi Tsujimoto, Hiroaki Kumada, Hiroyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 6027777
    Abstract: A forming material for the fabrication of appliances for fixing, supporting, correcting and holding human bodies, characterized by a main forming material body including a quantity of granulated materials each coated with a moisture-curable urethane prepolymer contained within a water-permeable material container, the main forming material body being hermetically enclosed in a moisture-impermeable material container, wherein the moisture-curable urethane prepolymer and the water-permeable material container are unreactive with each other and have a low adhesive strength with respect to each other to provide good long term preservability and ease of operability to allow modeling and conforming the main forming material body to a desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignees: Alcare Co. Ltd., SAN-APRO Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hirano, Wataru Okuyama, Nobuyasu Nakasugi, Shozo Oonishi
  • Patent number: 6027779
    Abstract: A thin-wall PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) tube in the form of a tube of porous expanded PTFE film wherein the porous PTFE film has a microstructure containing a multiplicity of fibrils oriented substantially parallel to each other. The tube has a wall thickness of less than about 0.25 mm and is made from at least one first layer and at least one second layer of porous PTFE film, wherein the fibrils of the first and second layers are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Preferably the fibrils of the at least one first layer are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and the fibrils of the at least one second layer of porous PTFE film are oriented substantially circumferential to the tube. The first and second layers may be inner and outer layers respectively, or alternatively their relationship may be reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Carey V. Campbell, Donald G. M. Goffena, James D. Lewis, David J. Myers, Clayton M. Sparling
  • Patent number: 6025044
    Abstract: A thin-wall PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) tube in the form of a tube of porous expanded PTFE film wherein the porous PTFE film has a microstructure containing a multiplicity of fibrils oriented substantially parallel to each other. The tube has a wall thickness of less than about 0.25 mm and is made from at least one first layer and at least one second layer of porous PTFE film, wherein the fibrils of the first and second layers are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Preferably the fibrils of the at least one first layer are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and the fibrils of the at least one second layer of porous PTFE film are oriented substantially circumferential to the tube. The first and second layers may be inner and outer layers respectively, or alternatively their relationship may be reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Carey V. Campbell, James D. Lewis, David J. Myers
  • Patent number: 6022601
    Abstract: The invention relates to a penetration-resistant composition comprising at least one layer in which fibers having a tenacity of at least 900 MPa (7 g/denier) according to ASTM D-885 are present and which layer is bonded to a polymeric continuum having a flexural modulus of 42 to 1,000 MPa according to ASTM D-790, a tensile strength at break of at least 10 MPa according to ASTM D-638 and an elongation to break of at least 100% according to ASTM D-638.The invention furthermore relates to armour comprising multiple layers of such a composition and to a process for manufacturing such a composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Friedrich V. Pfister, Antoine Schelling
  • Patent number: 6022817
    Abstract: Synthetic filament yarn fabric for manufacturing an air bag is manufactured from polyamide yarn having a linear density within the range of five hundred fifty (550) to six hundred fifty (650) dtex, and a filament count in the range of one hundred (100) to one hundred twenty-five (125). The fabric has a Strength-Weighted Dynamic Permeability in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 (l.multidot.mm/dm.sup.2 .multidot.min.multidot.kPa), and more particularly, in the range of 0.20 to 0.25 (l.multidot.mm/dm.sup.2 .multidot.min.multidot.kPa).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Kirk Reginald Lewis, Geoffrey St. Quentin Whitfield
  • Patent number: 6020063
    Abstract: Composite material having carbon fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix comprising a thermoset resin, where the carbon fibers are precoated with a sizing agent comprising a saturated polyurethane or polyhydroxyether before being embedded in the resin. The invention also contemplates processes for making this composite material and intermediate products thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Judy S. Riffle, John J. Lesko, Norman Broyles, Stephen V. Davis, Nikhil Verghese
  • Patent number: 6017601
    Abstract: An improved allergen-barrier cover for completely surrounding an allergen-carrier article, such as bedding, is provided. The cover is formed from a multilayer fabric such as an SMS fabric that allows passage of air, but blocks the passage of allergens and liquid water. This fabric is formed into an enclosure by thermally welding any seams necessary to provide a enclosure which completely encases the allergen-carrier article except for an opening sufficient to allow insertion of the allergen-carrier article into the enclosure. The cover also includes a closure in the form of a plastic seal made up of two portions: a first portion having at least two parallel ridges spaced apart from one another by a first distance and a second portion comprising at least two parallel grooves spaced apart from one another by the same distance as the parallel ridges and sized to receive the at least two parallel ridges in sealing engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Allan D. Amsel
  • Patent number: 6015612
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a polymer and wood fiber composite that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate or thermoplastic pellet to manufacture structural members. The polymer and wood fiber composite structural members can be manufactured in an extrusion process or an injection molding process. The linear extrudate or pellet can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape, or can be a regular geometric. The pellet can have a cross-section shape having a volume of at least about 12 mm.sup.3. Preferably the pellet is a right cylindrical pellet having a minimum radius of about 1.5 mm and a minimum length of 1 mm weighing at least 14 mg. The invention also relates to an environmentally sensitive recycle of waste streams. The polymer and wood fiber composite contains an intentional recycle of a waste stream comprising polymer flakes or particles or wood fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Deaner, Joseph Puppin, Kurt E. Heikkila
  • Patent number: 6015611
    Abstract: A composition in the form of pellets comprising a thermoplastic and wood fiber composite material suitable for forming structural members as a replacement for wood in the manufacture of doors and windows. The composite has less than about 10 wt % water based on pellet weight and a Young's modulus of at least about 500,000. Structural members are typically formed from the composite in an extrusion or an injection molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Deaner, Joseph Puppin, Kurt E. Heikkila
  • Patent number: 6013341
    Abstract: A load-bearing tubular structural shell for use particularly in aerospace applications includes a structural frame of lattice-like structure formed by intersecting helical, girth, and longitudinal stiffening ribs, ad an outer covering surrounding the structural frame. The ribs are formed by helical, girth, and longitudinal strips of unbidirectional fibers wrapped in intersecting and overlapping fashion to form a plurality of layers of the strips. The longitudinal and girth ribs intersect at nodes, and at least some of these nodes are attached to helical ribs so as to form closed structural triangular nodes. Two sides of each triangular node are formed by first faces of the longitudinal and girth ribs, and the opposite second faces of the longitudinal and girth ribs intersect at a corner that lies within the closed triangular node. The helical rib at the triangular node has one face that lies within the closed triangular node and an opposite face that forms a third side of the triangular node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignees: McDonnell Douglas Corporation, AO "Centr Perspektivnykh Razarabotok"
    Inventors: Eduard Borisovich Medvedev, Alexandr Ivanovich Davydov, Boris Gavrilovich Maiorov, Mikhail Sergeevich Artjukhov, Vladimir Ivanovich Smyslov
  • Patent number: 6004668
    Abstract: A composition in the form of pellets comprising a thermoplastic and wood fiber composite material suitable for forming structural members as a replacement for wood in the manufacture of doors and windows. The composite has less than about 10 wt % water based on pellet weight and a Young's modulus of at least about 500,000. Structural members are typically formed from the composite in an extrusion or an injection molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Deaner, Giuseppe Puppin, Kurt E. Heikkila
  • Patent number: 6000442
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for weaving a fabric with a three dimensional bulging zone, which is formed by increasing the density of the crossing points of the warp and weft threads so as to naturally impart a bulging zone in the fabric. The density is changed by changing the number of threads and/or changing the weave pattern. The lengths of the warp threads can also be increased in the bulging zone. In a preferred embodiment, the threads include a material which is settable by thermal or chemical treatment, and such that upon being set a three dimensional rigid matrix is formed which includes the non-settable threads as a reinforcement. The apparatus for carrying out the process takes the form of a loom having the capability of individually drawing off selected lengths of the warp threads from a warp supply, and a jacquard head for forming the weaving sheds and which has a control for changing the number of threads woven and/or the weave pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Alexander Busgen
  • Patent number: 6001437
    Abstract: A glass fiber capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1900.degree. F. is produced by treating a glass, preferably E-glass, fiber. The glass fiber is first leached with selected acids, and then the leached fiber is treated with organo-metallic materials of low viscosity, such as a dispersion of low molecular weight water-in-oil emulsion of dimethyl polysiloxane. The fiber is used in such applications as embedding it in a fire-resistant active coating material or embedding it into one surface of a polyolefin or composite plastic, such as a polypropylene sheet. The treated fiberglass can be used as a sole component or in concert with a fire-resistant or fire retardant material to further enhance its fire-resistant properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Nu-Chem, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen W. Thorpe, Edward W. Taylor, Jr., Rubin Feldman, Malkit S. Deogon
  • Patent number: 5998023
    Abstract: A method for coating the surface of a substrate composed of a hydrophobic polymer with a hydrophobic vinyl polymer. The method includes preparing a solution of the hydrophobic vinyl polymer in a polar nonaqueous solvent, such as 1-methyl-1-pyrrolidinone, in which the hydrophobic vinyl polymer is surface-active. The substrate then is treated with the solution under conditions sufficient to deposit the hydrophobic vinyl polymer on the substrate. The hydrophobic vinyl polymer may have readily hydrolyzable pendant groups which, upon hydrolysis thereof in an aqueous medium, will result in the formation of a hydrophilic vinyl polymer coating on the substrate. For example, the hydrophobic vinyl polymer may be poly(vinyl trifluoroacetate). Also provided are coated substrates, in which the substrate is a shaped article composed of a hydrophobic polymer. The shaped article may be, for example, a film, fiber, or nonwoven web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonid Anthony Turkevich, David Lewis Myers, Gunilla Elsa Gillberg-LaForce
  • Patent number: 5998028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel thermoplastic article having metallic wire, rod and/or bar embedded therein produced by applying heat and pressure to a laminate comprising, in order, (1) an upper sheet material, (2) metallic wire, rods or bars, and (3) a lower sheet material to produce a thermoplastic article having metallic wire, rod and/or bar embedded therein. The upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a copolyester having an inherent viscosity of 0.5 to 1.2 dL/g, when measured at 25.degree.C. using 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Dennis Eckart, Raymond Lynn Goodson
  • Patent number: 5997970
    Abstract: A fiber-reinforced article comprises a tubular body and a plurality of fiber braids for reinforcing the tubular body. The fiber braids have a first section parallel to the axis of the tubular body, and a second section forming an angle with the axis of the tubular body. The second sections of the fiber braids form a network capable of enhancing the resistance of the article to flexure and torsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Chin-San You
  • Patent number: 5989711
    Abstract: A composite material formed by an organic substrate reinforced by glass strands. It consists of the combination of an organic substrate and glass strands coated with a sizing composition constituted by a solution with a solvent content of less than 5% by weight, the said solution comprising a mixture of components which can be polymerized and/or cross-linked by heat treatment, amongst the said components, at least 60% being components with molecular weights (Mw) of less than 750, and from 0 to 25% by weight being coupling agents, lubricating agents, stabilizing agents, polymerization initiators and/or catalysts, the said agents and initiators optionally being capable of being polymerized and/or cross-linked, the said sizing composition being non-polymerized, and the assembly subsequently being subjected to heat treatment and/or to the action of actinic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Vetrotex France
    Inventors: Patrick Moireau, Timothy Johnson
  • Patent number: 5989664
    Abstract: A plastic product comprising an inner core portion made of plastic and having a solid shape or a hollow shape including an internal cavity, and a fiber-reinforced plastic layer formed on inner and/or outer surfaces of the inner core portion, whereby the plastic product has light weight, high strength and excellent vibration suppressing and noise shielding ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Takayama, Toshiyuki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 5989713
    Abstract: Fibers, continuous or discontinuous, and bars having optimized geometries for use in the reinforcement of cement, ceramic and polymeric based matrices are claimed. The geometries are designed to increase the ratio of surface area available for bond between the fiber and the matrix to the cross-sectional area of fiber. In the case of a continuous reinforcement comprised of a single fiber or a bar made out of a bundle of fibers, such as is the case in reinforced and prestressed concrete, increasing the surface area available for bond leads to a decrease in crack width, development length, and transfer length. The fibers or bars are also configured to be amenable for twisting or to have spiral like deformations along their longitudinal axis to further develop the mechanical component of bond between the fibers and the matrix. Additional methods of mechanical bond enhancement, such as crimping and/or addition of anchorages, such as hooked ends, paddles, buttons, etc. . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventor: Antoine E. Naaman
  • Patent number: 5989660
    Abstract: A fabric for use as a base fabric in an air bag comprises a fibrous substrate having adhered to it a covering layer made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin and of 10 .mu.m or less in average thickness. The adhesion between the fibrous substrate and covering layer is effected by causing the thermoplastic synthetic resin material of the covering layer to fill interstices between the fibers of the fibrous substrate. This may be achieved by applying to the fibrous substrate a solution or dispersion of the thermoplastic synthetic resin. An air bag may be constructed entirely from the fabric such that when it comprises sheet material additional to the base fabric, these may also be provided by the same fabric as that used for the base fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Moriwaki, Tomomichi Fujiyama, Susumu Kano
  • Patent number: 5985445
    Abstract: Antinoise and antifragmentation plates based on acrylic polymers employing a polymeric continuous film placed inside the plate, wherein the film is characterized by an elastic modulus lower than the one of PMMA of at least 30%, and/or elongtion at break higher than at least 40%, measured by the test according to ISO 527 standard for plates or for films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Atohaas Holding C.V.
    Inventors: Alberto Luca Stasi, Marco Binaghi, Donato Stanco
  • Patent number: 5976697
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing an article of a high-density carbon. To produce an un-fired compact, binderless, self-sintering, fine-grained carbon powder, particularly carbon mesophases, with a powder density of more than 1 g/cm.sup.3, particularly more than 1.4 m/cm.sup.3, and an average grain size of between 5 and 20 .mu.m, is precompacted at a low pressure and is pressed in a mold to at a pressure of between 50 and 150 MPa, particularly at approximately 100 MPa. After pressing, the contact pressure is slowly lowered. Then, the un-fired compact is carbonized in a temperature gradient of maximally 20 K/min. The temperature is held constant at a holding temperature of between 500 and 700.degree. C. for a defined holding time and is subsequently raised to a maximal temperature of between 800 and 1,200.degree. C., particularly approximately 1,000.degree. C. Finally, the carbonized compact is graphitized at an end temperature of between 2,500-3,000.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Peter Brehler, Jens Schmidt, Michael Scheydecker
  • Patent number: 5972503
    Abstract: In one general aspect, the invention involves applying a chemical treatment to fibers, such as reinforcing fibers suitable for making a composite article, so as to size and/or preimpregnate the fibers. The chemical treatment has a relatively low viscosity and is substantially solvent-free and non-radiation curable. Heat energy may be employed to lower the viscosity and improve the wetting ability of the applied treatment and/or to increase the molecular weight of, or otherwise cure, the treatment with essentially no generation of solvent vapor. The treated fibers are used to form a composite strand, which may be subsequently processed in-line or off-line into a composite article having fibers disposed in a polymeric matrix. Another general aspect relates to encased composite strands, in thread or pellet form, and to wire-coating methods and apparatus for making them. The strands are moldable into fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew B. Woodside
  • Patent number: 5972497
    Abstract: Finish compositions and methods for the manufacture of synthetic fibers and/or fabrics comprise hydrophobic esters of pentaerythritol homologs, such as hydrophobic pentaerythritol ester, as lubricants. These esters may be used by themselves or in conjunction with antistatic agents and/or other lubricants and permit the obtaining of high-strength nonwoven materials with increased production plant line speed and productivity. The finish may be used with a variety of fibers and fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Fiberco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashalata S. Hirwe, William Robert Lanigan
  • Patent number: 5972504
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a composite material formed by an organic substrate reinforced by glass strands. The invention consists of the combination of an organic substrate and glass strands coated with a sizing composition constituted by a solution with a solvent content of less than 5% by weight, the said solution comprising a mixture of components which can be polymerized and/or cross-linked by heat treatment, amongst the said components, at least 60% being components with molecular weights (Mw) of less than 750, and from 0 to 25% by weight being coupling agents, lubricating agents, stabilizing agents, polymerization initiators and/or catalysts, the said agents and initiators optionally being capable of being polymerized and/or cross-linked, the said sizing composition being non-polymerized, and of the subsequent subjection of the assembly to heat treatment and/or to the action of actinic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Vetrotex France
    Inventors: Patrick Moireau, Timothy Johnson
  • Patent number: 5968854
    Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding fabric is formed entirely from a plurality of synthetic fiber yarns which have been previously coated with silver. The preferred yarn structure comprises silver-coated nylon yarns, although other synthetic yarns can also be used as a base for the silver-coated yarns. The silver content of the silver-coated synthetic yarn is preferably not less than 20% by weight, and the conductivity of the silver-coated yarn is preferably not less than 1.2 ohms/cm. The silver-coated synthetic yarns are preferably formed into a planar textile material by means of a warp-knitting method which interlocks all of the yarns in a continuous chain stitch. The resulting fabric is thus formed entirely of the conductive silver-coated yarns thereby providing superior conductivity and electromagnetic shielding capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Electromagnetic Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Akopian, Alexander Chirkov
  • Patent number: 5964056
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fishing rod blank having increased hoop strength and a visually unique and appealing appearance. The rod blank of the instant invention incorporates non-woven materials to achieve increased flexibility hoop strength and improved visual appearance. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, non-woven materials are applied to unidirectional prepreg materials during the prepregging process to form a co-plied unidirectional and non-woven preimpregnated fibrous composite material that is used to form the fishing rod blank. In another embodiment, the non-woven material is applied to the outermost layer of the rod in a finishing step to enhance the appearance of the rod. The appearance is further enhanced when the underlying material and a woven outer layer of the blank have contrasting colors. In an alternative embodiment, the innermost layer of the rod blank is formed of a non-woven material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Berkley Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Grice
  • Patent number: 5965223
    Abstract: The present invention is a composite layered protective fabric having an outer primary layer composed of an abrasive material and an inner primary layer composed of an inherently cut-resistant material positioned below the outer primary layer and when assembled into a garment is positioned proximate to the wearer's skin. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a secondary layer is added to the inner and outer layer framework. The secondary layer is composed of a material that provides additional protection against potential threats other than cuts, that increases comfort or that improves aesthetics. The invented composite fabric is continuously manufactured in a one-step process which plates the layers of yarn. Thus formed, the invented composite fabric can be formed into cut-resistant apparel and articles that provide a high level of protection against sharp objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: World Fibers, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Andrews, James B. Miles
  • Patent number: 5962112
    Abstract: There is provided a wiper comprising a first web of fibers of at most 50 microns in diameter wherein said web has been bonded using a point unbonded pattern having a bond area between about 25 and 50 percent. The wiper can be made from thermoplastic polymer nonwoven fibers made by the meltblowing, spunbonding, carding and bonding, or airlaying processes. The wiper may be a laminate of various thermoplastic layers joined with the point unbonded pattern and may be a coform web of thermoplastic polymer and pulp or other material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan David Haynes, Laura Elizabeth Keck, Charles Allen Smith, Ty Jackson Stokes, David Craige Strack
  • Patent number: 5958601
    Abstract: This invention relates to the synthesis from PET (virgin, recycled, post consumer, or precursor raw materials) of novel water dispersible or water emulsifiable polyester resins having improved hydrophobicity or non-polar characteristics. These characteristics give the applied film of these dispersions or emulsions much improved water repellency while at the same time retaining their redispersible or reemulsifiable properties. Such resins can be used for many applications in the paper, textile, coatings, paint, construction, and other industries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Seydel Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Keith Salsman
  • Patent number: 5948524
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition including an engineering resin and wood fiber composite that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate or thermoplastic pellet used to manufacture structural members. The resin/wood fiber composite structural members can be manufactured in an extrusion process or an injection molding process as a linear extrudate or pellet that can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape, or can be a regular geometric shape and have a volume of at least about 12 mm.sup.3. Preferably the pellet is a right cylindrical pellet having a minimum radius of about 1.5 mm and a minimum length of 1 mm weighing at least 14 mg. The invention also relates to the environmentally sensitive recycle of waste streams. The resin/wood fiber composite can contain an intentional recycle of a waste stream including polymer flakes, polymer particles, or wood fiber as well as adhesives, paint, or preservatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Kasyap V. Seethamraju, Michael J. Deaner
  • Patent number: 5945184
    Abstract: An air bag has an air bag main body and a sheet. The air bag main body is formed into such a sac like shape as having a circumferential wall portion that extends in a sleeve-like form from a peripheral edge of an opening and a bottom wall portion that closes the circumferential wall portion. The sheet is arranged so as to extend from the peripheral edge of the opening to the bottom wall portion via the circumferential wall portion in such a manner that the air bag main body is split into two parts, and the sheet has a communicating hole. The sheet in sewn only to a portion of the peripheral edge of the opening in the circumferential wall portion and to a portion of the bottom wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norinari Nagata, Yuji Kuriyama, Shinichi Imazu, Ikuo Yamada
  • Patent number: 5945186
    Abstract: A coated base fabric for use in an automotive airbag is provided. The coated base fabric includes a substrate of woven nylon or polyester which is overcoated with a porosity blocking layer of a cross-linked elastomeric resin. Such a resin may be, without limitation, selected from the group consisting essentially of polyamide, butyl rubber, EPDM, polyurethane, hydrogenated NBR, acrylic rubbers, and mixtures thereof. The porosity blocking layer of polyamide material is present at a coating weight of between about 0.1 and 0.5 ounces per square yard. Furthermore, the resin may be present as either a latex or in solution with an organic solvent or solvents. A method for producing the coated fabric of the present invention is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Shulong Li, Robert C. Arnott
  • Patent number: 5945359
    Abstract: A new and improved air bag using a weft inserted warp knit fabric laminated to a film as the inflatable member of the air bag when the inflator device is engaged to supply gas into the interior of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: George M. Graham
  • Patent number: 5942304
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing non-blocking slats of normally tacky amorphous propylene copolymers. The process entails coextruding the normally tacky amorphous propylene copolymer with a low viscosity polyolefin such as a polyethylene wax forming a core of amorphous propylene copolymer covered with a sheath of polyethylene wax. The coextruded article is cooled, cut (while exposing less than 40 percent of the core) and then coated with a non-tacky powder; thereby, forming non-blocking slats. Disclosed is also a novel amorphous propylene copolymer composition containing no more than 90 weight percent propylene and up to 70 weight percent of an alpha olefin comonomer having a needle penetration greater than 70 to less than 100 dmm at 23.degree. C. and a Brookfield Thermosel Viscosity below 1000 cP at 190.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventor: Marc Stacey Somers
  • Patent number: 5939192
    Abstract: A novel, bio-degradable molding based on particles of a plant fiber material, preferably wood and/or cellulose, in particular recycled fiber material, as well as other additives, which are integrated preferably with starch and/or protein into a matrix of at least one biogenic material which has been reduced at high temperature and pressure to a molten state and undergone thermoplastic treatment, and a process for manufacturing the molding and uses thereof. The molding is substantially free of pores and the particles are at least partially impregnated with at least one resin acid (where appropriate mixed with at least one fatty acid, in particular from tall oil and/or natural resins) and preferably also with at least one fat, oil and/or wax; the total water content of the molding is no greater than 18 wt %, preferably 3-16 wt %, and in particular 4-12 wt %, while its preferred density is 0.8-1.25 t/m.sup.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventors: Markus Rettenbacher, Norbert Mundigler
  • Patent number: 5935704
    Abstract: Continuous, filament reinforced, wound poles, and the method of making, where the poles are formed by winding a base mandrel with continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement, coaxially abutting an incremental mandrel and winding both the incremental mandrel and the wound first mandrel with a second layer of continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement. The base mandrel is thus wound with two layers of reinforcement. Additional incremental mandrels and additional layers of continuous, resin-impregnated filament reinforcement are successively wound as desired. Preferably all windings occurs prior to the curing of any previous winding. The ends of the mandrels and any cross winding across these ends form stabilizing members within the poles to counteract against compressive forces. The pole has a smooth outer surface when the additional mandrels are properly sized to mate with the wound ends of the previous adjacent mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Henry Happy
  • Patent number: 5928736
    Abstract: A composite structure is fabricated by providing a mandrel having a winding surface and placing a shaped plug into the winding surface so that it extends from the winding surface. An uncured composite material is wound over the winding surface of the mandrel and laterally adjacent to the shaped plug. The composite material is cured, and the shaped plug and mandrel are removed. The shaped plug may be provided with an overlying bushing that is bonded to the composite material during curing and is not removed with the remainder of the shaped plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: E. M. Parekh
  • Patent number: 5924160
    Abstract: An article for cleaning, washing and scrubbing comprising of a three layered cloth glove, useable on either the right or the left hand. The middle layer of the glove divides the palm and finger sections of the glove into right and left handed glove sections. Attached to the entire width of the wrist edge of the middle layer of said glove is the stem end of a pear shaped wash cloth. Said attachment of glove and wash cloth continues down the outer seam of the thumb of the glove, that is, from the wrist to the seam of the thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Jocelyn D. Bradley
  • Patent number: 5922797
    Abstract: This invention relates to a latex for utilization in adhesive compositions for bonding synthetic fibers to natural or synthetic rubber. These latices can be produced at reduced cost and their utilization results in improved performance characteristics. This invention more specifically discloses a latex which is particularly useful for adhering synthetic fibers to rubber which is comprised of (a) water, (b) an emulsifier and (c) a polymer which is comprised of repeat units which are derived from (i) a conjugated diolefin monomer, (ii) a vinyl aromatic monomer, (iii) 2-vinylpyridine and (iv) a vinyl aldehyde monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Judy Chu, Dane Kenton Parker, James Gregory Gillick
  • Patent number: 5916646
    Abstract: A container and a method for making the same. The container has a body made of a first thermoplastic material, with a non-developable external surface provided with at least one decorative label formed of at least one layer made of a second thermoplastic material, and having an air evacuation structure. The second material has a fusion temperature higher than the fusion temperature of the first material. This method permits labeling without the formation of creases or air bubbles, in particular on a container having a non-developable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Gilles Baudin
  • Patent number: RE36340
    Abstract: A centrifugally cast plastic pipe comprised of a polymer derived from monomers polymerized in bulk is provided. A pressurized cylindrical mold provides smooth inner and outer surfaces. Pipes with a wall thickness of from 1/8 inch to 3 inches and an outer diameter of 1 inch to 12 feet are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventors: Charles S. Woodson, Michael J. Darnall, Norman A. Deumite