Patents Assigned to Inman Mills
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Patent number: 11755866Abstract: A method of producing a textile product wherein a functional code pattern is structurally embedded within a textile product as the textile yarns are interlaced to become a textile product is provided. The functional code pattern is embedded within the textile product by programming a textile process machine with conversion factors and mathematical ratios, producing an enlarged code pattern that adheres to the customary rules of public or proprietary barcode formatting. Alternatively, the functional code pattern can be digitally printed onto the textile. The resulting textile product includes a functional and decorative code pattern that is readable by a standard electronic code reading device. Depending upon the type of textile yarn materials used, the code pattern created in or printed on the textile fabric may or may not be visible to the human eye.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Inman MillsInventor: Thomas M. Ellis
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Patent number: 11713522Abstract: A fabric substrate having a warp direction and a fill direction is provided. The fabric substrate includes a plurality of warp yarns, a plurality of fill yarns. A portion of the plurality of the fill yarns form a hollow channel extending in the fill direction, and the hollow channel contains an encased fill yarn. As such, the encased fill yarn is protected from abrasion, bending, flexing, folding, compression, shrinkage, or expansion of the fabric substrate and remains undamaged after the fabric substrate is woven and subsequently handled or processed. In other embodiments, a hollow channel containing an encased yarn is formed in the warp direction, or hollow channels each containing an encased yarn are formed in both the fill direction and the warp direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2019Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Inman MillsInventor: Thomas M. Ellis
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Patent number: 11423272Abstract: A method of producing a textile product wherein a functional code pattern is structurally embedded within a textile product as the textile yarns are interlaced to become a textile product is provided. The functional code pattern is embedded within the textile product by programming a textile process machine with conversion factors and mathematical ratios, producing an enlarged code pattern that adheres to the customary rules of public or proprietary barcode formatting. Alternatively, the functional code pattern can be digitally printed onto the textile. The resulting textile product includes a functional and decorative code pattern that is readable by a standard electronic code reading device. Depending upon the type of textile yarn materials used, the code pattern created in or printed on the textile fabric may or may not be visible to the human eye.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Inman MillsInventor: Thomas M. Ellis
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Patent number: 11326280Abstract: A fabric substrate material is provided. The fabric substrate includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first plurality of non-functional fill yarns and at least one functional fill yarn, and the second layer includes a second plurality of fill yarns. The second plurality of fill yarns and the at least one functional fill yarn exhibit substantially the same compressive strength, compressive resistance, or flexural strength. As such, the functional fill yarn in the first layer is protected from shrinkage or expansion and remains undamaged and functional after the fabric substrate is woven and subsequently handled or processed. The aforementioned practice of reinforcement described in the fill direction of the second layer can also be applied in the warp yarn direction, using the same principles described herein.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Inman MillsInventor: Thomas M. Ellis
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Patent number: 11035058Abstract: A yarn is produced having a functional core and a covering. The core is either an active functional core having electronic components or passive components and may be monofilament or multifilament. The core and covering are introduced together such that the covering protects the core and gives the core a more comfortable feel such that the yarn may be used in textile applications. The core may be covered by various spinning methods such as air jet or Vortex air jet spinning, ring spinning, open end, or friction spinning. The yarn may also be processed in a single or double covering operation. In one embodiment, the yarn is woven into clothing.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Inman MillsInventors: William C. Hightower, III, Norman H. Chapman
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Patent number: 10815590Abstract: A yarn containing a core of continuous filaments of an inorganic material and a sheath of staple fibers of a thermoplastic polymer is provided. The yarn can be formed into a fabric or unidirectional tape, which can then be heated under pressure to form a composite material that has excellent mechanical strength yet is lightweight. The fabric can be molded into a composite material having a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape because of its excellent drapability. The composite material can be used in aircraft parts, automotive parts, marine parts, consumer electronic parts, and other products.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Inman MillsInventors: William C. Hightower, III, Norman H. Chapman
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Patent number: 10053801Abstract: A yarn containing a core of continuous filaments of an inorganic material and a sheath of staple fibers of a thermoplastic polymer is provided. The yarn can be formed into a fabric or unidirectional tape, which can then be heated under pressure to form a composite material that has excellent mechanical strength yet is lightweight. The fabric can be molded into a composite material having a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape because of its excellent drapability. The composite material can be used in aircraft parts, automotive parts, marine parts, consumer electronic parts, and other products.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Inman MillsInventors: William C. Hightower, III, Norman H. Chapman