Patents Assigned to Interface, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5522251
    Abstract: A system for simulating effects of cleaning and maintenance on the appearance of a product such as carpet tile is disclosed. Short- and long-term effects of wear and soiling can be simulated as well, providing a relatively complete and rapid indicator of product appearance changes over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventor: Graham A. H. Scott
  • Patent number: 5506308
    Abstract: A curable elastomer composition comprising an elastomer, an unsaturated carboxylic metal salt such as zinc diacrylate, an organic peroxide curing agent such as a ditertiary alkyl peroxide, and phenothiazine as a precure inhibitor. Suitable elastomers include nitrile rubber, EPDM, and EVA. The nitrile rubber is desirably hydrogenated. A method for curing the curable elastomer composition and the resulting cured elastomer compositions are encompassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahfooz Ahmad, Mark E. Terry
  • Patent number: 5499476
    Abstract: A raised flooring system and methods of forming components of such a system are disclosed. Systems consistent with embodiments of the present invention utilize thin sheet metal, typically galvanized steel, base plates laid side by side on an existing floor. Attached in a rectilinear pattern to the base plates are stand-offs, which support floor panels forming the raised or false floor (which in turn are typically covered with carpet tile). In addition to supporting the floor panels, the stand-offs form a network of channels where conduit, cables, hoses, pipe and similar materials can be routed. The stand-offs are punched and then formed from thin sheet metal, also typically galvanized steel, and have an overall shape generally that of a truncated cone achieved with four arms that have rolled edges for enhanced load-bearing capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold F. Adams, Roderick A. Suarez, Lewis H. Engle
  • Patent number: 5474739
    Abstract: A broad spectrum, non-toxic, microbiocidal composition effective in killing or inhibiting the growth of a wide variety of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, yeasts, molds and fungi and algae, that includes a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and alkaryl groups including, but not limited to, straight chain, branched chain or cyclic alkyl groups having from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene having from 2 to 32 ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units respectively, alkyl phenoxy polyoxyethylene containing 2 to 32 ethylene oxide units, alkyl phenoxy polyoxyethylene containing ethylene oxide units and 1 to 24 carbon atoms in the phenolic alkyl chain, and polyhydroxy compounds, including but not limited to, ethylene glycol, glycerol, or sorbitol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Triestram, Robert H. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 5470630
    Abstract: A floor covering having a bitumen composition as a backing layer, such as carpet tiles, which bitumen composition comprises straight run bitumen and a mixture of high density and low density polyethylene polymers blended and dispersed in the straight run bitumen as a continuous phase in an amount of up to about 12% by weight and which bitumen composition contains a minimum of about 40% by weight of a mineral filler material, such as limestone, and the bitumen composition having improved dimensional stability, adhesion, static loading and electrical conductivity and having lower cost and processing advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Thompson
  • Patent number: 5466933
    Abstract: An electron energy analyzer uses identical sectors, typically though not necessarily ninety degree segments of a toroid, disposed in complementary relationship with an aperture therebetween to provide a mapping of the image at the entrance plane to the exit plane while permitting the desired energy analysis to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Surface Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Bryson, III, Michael A. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5453275
    Abstract: A biocidal protective coating for heat exchanger coils formed by applying a polymeric composition containing an organic water resistant polymer that has associated with it an effective amount of a biocidal compound to inhibit corrosion, fouling, and biocidal buildup on the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude E. Terry, Douglas E. Triestman, Daniel L. Price
  • Patent number: 5428117
    Abstract: A composition for imparting stain resistance to polyamide substrates comprising a sulfonated fatty composition and sulfonated hydroxyaromatic formaldehyde condensation polymer. A method for making the stain treatment composition, a method for treating polyamide substrates with the composition, and the resulting stain resistant polyamide materials are also disclosed. Suitable sulfonated hydroxyaromatic formaldehyde condensation polymers include sulfonated phenol formaldehyde condensation polymer and sulfonated dihydroxy diphenyl formaldehyde condensate polymer. Suitable sulfonated fatty compositions include sulfonated oleic acid and marine oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Terry, Mahfooz Ahmad
  • Patent number: 5366779
    Abstract: A floor covering having a bitumen composition as a backing layer, such as carpet tiles, which bitumen composition comprises straight run bitumen and a mixture of high density and low density polyethylene polymers blended and dispersed in the straight run bitumen as a continuous phase in an amount of up to about 12% by weight and which bitumen composition contains a minimum of about 40% by weight of a mineral filler material, such as limestone, and the bitumen composition having improved dimensional stability, adhesion, static loading and electrical conductivity and having lower cost and processing advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Thompson
  • Patent number: 5259848
    Abstract: A method to remove stubborn stains that includes application of an ammonium salt in combination with a peroxide. In the preferred embodiment, the stain removing solution contains ammonium bicarbonate and peroxide. A major advantage of the method is that the solution is strong enough to remove coffee and tea stains yet sufficiently mild that it does not damage the carpet or pose a significant health hazard to the person treating the stain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Edward Terry, Daniel F. Pinholster, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5252375
    Abstract: A method to impart permanent stain resistance to polyamides, including nylon fiber and fibrous articles such as carpet and carpet tile, that includes treating the fiber with an isocyanate under moderate conditions that do not damage other materials that the fiber is attached to. Nylon carpet and carpet tile treated according to this method are highly suited for commercial use because they retain their stain resistance after repeated washings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Albin F. Turbak, Rodney A. Smith, Chung-Hsien Zah
  • Patent number: 5204155
    Abstract: A floor covering, such as a carpet or carpet tile, which comprises a primary backing sheet having a fibrous face wear surface and back surface and first and second backing layers and with a low density, resilient, non-elastomeric, closed cell polymeric foam layer, such as a thermoset, cross-linked polyethylene foam layer, positioned between and bonded to the first and second backing layers, optionally with a secondary backing layer bonded to the secondary bitumen backing layer. A method of producing a floor covering, such as a carpet tile, which comprises providing a primary backing sheet having a fibrous face wear surface and a back surface and bonding a first bitumen backing layer onto the primary backing sheet, bonding a low density, thermoset, polymeric foam layer to the first bitumen backing layer through a glass tissue to protect the polymeric foam layer and stabilize the composite, and bonding a second bitumen backing layer onto the polymeric foam layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Bell, Johannes A. H. Claessen
  • Patent number: 5198277
    Abstract: A pattern-tufted, fusion-bonded carpet, particularly a backed carpet tile, having a polymeric latex primary adhesive layer and a plurality of fibrous yarns bonded to and extending from the layer to form a face surface, the fusion-bonded carpet having a woven polyester sheet material and glass fiber tissue sheet material both secured to the primary adhesive base layer, and the fusion-bonded carpet overtufted by an overtufted pattern on the face wear surface. A method of preparing a pattern-tufted, fusion-bonded carpet which comprises overtufting a fusion-bonded carpet with the fusion-bonded carpet having a primary adhesive base layer composed of a polymeric latex material and containing a woven fiberglass and a glass fiber tissue sheet material and optionally to prepare carpet tile applying a solid, thermoplastic backing to the pattern-tufted, fusion-bonded carpet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Hamilton, Larry E. Mullinax
  • Patent number: 5032310
    Abstract: A cleansing or disinfecting solution that includes an effective amount of a salt of phosphoric acid or its ester of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, and neopentyl and X is selected from the group consisting of Group IA metals, Group IIA metals, transition metals, and HNR.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3.sup.+, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are alkyl groups of from 4 to 18 carbon atoms or a hydroxyalkyl group of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and R.sub.3 is an alkyl group of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and wherein when R is hydrogen, X is di-(2-hydroxyethyl)cocoamine. These formulations are effective in killing or inhibiting a wide variety of harmful, destructive or offensive microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, yeasts, algae and molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. McIntosh, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5024840
    Abstract: A carpet and carpet tile resistant to the growth of Gram negative, Gram positive and fungal organisms which contains a polymeric non-plasticized PVC tuftlock precoat, fusion bonding adhesive, or secondary backing which has incorporated in it a phosphoric acid ester or its salt of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R' are alkyl, oxyalkyl, polyoxyalkyl, aryl, aralkyl or alkaryl groups of C.sub.1 to C.sub.24, and one of R or R' can be H; X is a Group I metal ion, Group II metal ion, transition metal ion, or NY.sub.1 Y.sub.2 Y.sub.3 Y.sub.4, where Y.sub.1-4 are hydrogen, a hydrocarbon of C.sub.1 to C.sub.24, or a hydroxyalkyl group of C.sub.1 to C.sub.24 ; and there is at least one free hydroxyl group; and when X is NY.sub.1 Y.sub.2 Y.sub.3 Y.sub.4 or a Group I metal ion, n is 1, when X is a Group II metal ion, n is 2; and when X is a transition metal, n is equal to the valence of the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Blakely, Michael A. Howe, Daniel F. Pinholster, Jr., Claude E. Terry, Robert H. McIntosh, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5022629
    Abstract: Fluid flow control valve in which bidirectional displacement of a valve operator is effected by momentary utilization of high current flow in a permanent magnetic flux field and longer term utilization of minimal current flow with in said flux field to maintain valve operator position in limiting displaced condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward C. Tibbals, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4974431
    Abstract: A steamer which accelerates the fixing of dyestuffs while reducing backing distortion and minimizing crocking and the accompanying steaming method are disclosed. The steamer uses low pressure jets of steam impinging at low velocity on the upper surface of steamed materials to displace cooler embedded air and promote fixing of printed dyes. Because fixing occurs in less time and the backing is not directly exposed to the hot steam, much less curling and distortion of the backing results. Using low velocity steam also minimizes movement of fibrous surfaces to prevent excessive dye transfer between adjacent fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph H. Kyle
  • Patent number: 4957948
    Abstract: An biocidal protective coating and an method for coating heat exchanger coils, which includes a polymeric composition comprising an organic water resistant polymer and a compound of the general formula ##STR1## wherein X is selected from the group consisting of organic ions, H.sup.T, Group I metals, Group II metals and transition metals, R and R' are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons and substituted hydrocarbons of not more than 24 carbon atoms, and there is at least one free hydroxyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude E. Terry, Robert H. McIntosh, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4908209
    Abstract: A biocidal phosphate ester in combination with an inert inorganic or organic particulate or polymeric carrier. The biocidal-carrier composition is useful in extending the effective lifetime of the biocidal phosphate ester when incorporated into a variety of materials including plastics, fibrous materials, and solutions. Applications of the disclosed carrier compounds include preparation of mildew resistant paints and plastics having extended antimicrobial properties despite extensive washing and wear of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. McIntosh, Jr., Albin F. Turbak, Robert H. McIntosh, Sr.
  • Patent number: RE34951
    Abstract: A flame-resistant carpet tile having low smoke values and improved flame resistance which carpet tile comprises a primary backing having a fibrous face and a fibrous back, a barrier layer adjacent to fibrous back to an acrylic polymer heavily loaded with a metallic flame-retardant salt filler material which acrylic polymer is compatible with a vinyl chloride polymer layer and a relatively thick vinyl chloride polymer backing layer adhering to the barrier layer.The method of preparing a flame-resistant carpet tile which comprises pre-coating the back of a carpet with an acrylic polymer latex containing a metallic salt flame-retardant filler material, coating the latex material with a PVC layer, thereafter laying the latex PVC coated carpet into the top surface of a liquid PVC backing layer, heating the laid-in carpet to fuse the PVC layers, cooling the carpet and cutting the carpet into carpet tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Slosberg, Gilbert S. Nowell