Patents Assigned to Markel Corporation
  • Patent number: 9908087
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device is disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer based materials. The potting of the device utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Jerman, Cornelius Brown, Jr., Kenneth Donald Hobbs, Carlos Ruano, Charles Edward Wolanski
  • Patent number: 9908088
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device is disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer based materials. The potting of the device utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Jerman, Cornelius Brown, Jr., Kenneth Donald Hobbs, Carlos Ruano, Charles Edward Wolanski
  • Patent number: 9248411
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device's method of manufacture is disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluoropolymer based materials. The potting method described herein, utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Jerman, Cornelius Brown, Jr., Kenneth Donald Hobbs, Carlos Ruano, Charles Edward Wolanski
  • Patent number: 9248412
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device's method of manufacture is disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluoropolymer based materials. The potting method described herein, utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Jerman, Cornelius Brown, Jr., Kenneth Donald Hobbs, Carlos Ruano, Charles Edward Wolanski
  • Patent number: 9061251
    Abstract: A tubular membrane module and its method of manufacture are disclosed wherein tubular membranes form an interference self-sealing fit with hard tube sheets with the aid of a hard hollow mandrel inserted at the end of the tubular membranes. The tubular membranes are comprised of porous, compressible PTFE and/or fluorocopolymers. The self-sealing method described herein requires no heat treatment, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the tubular membranes and without the processing complexity of utilizing any additional potting agent, extrusion, or chemical cross-linking of any polymeric adhesives. The self sealing PTFE tubular membranes have superb chemical resistance and temperature resistance, and through the benefits of this invention, offer higher pullout resistance than typically observed with potting materials such as polyurethane and epoxy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Donald Hobbs, Robert Edward Jerman, Charles Edward Wolanski
  • Publication number: 20150041389
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device is disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer based materials. The potting of the device utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: MARKEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert E. Jerman, Cornelius Brown, JR., Kenneth Donald Hobbs, Carlos Ruano, Charles Edward Wolanski
  • Publication number: 20140042077
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device is disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer based materials. The potting of the device utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MARKEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert E. Jerman, Cornelius Brown, Jr., Kenneth Donald Hobbs, Carlos Ruano, Charles Edward Wolanski
  • Publication number: 20140042076
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device is disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer based materials. The potting of the device utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MARKEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert E. Jerman, Cornelius Brown, Jr., Kenneth Donald Hobbs, Carlos Ruano, Charles Edward Wolanski
  • Publication number: 20140041788
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device's method of manufacture is disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluoropolymer based materials. The potting method described herein, utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MARKEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert E. Jerman, Cornelius Brown, JR., Kenneth Donald Hobbs, Carlos Ruano, Charles Edward Wolanski
  • Publication number: 20140041789
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device's method of manufacture is disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluoropolymer based materials. The potting method described herein, utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MARKEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert E. Jerman, Cornelius Brown, JR., Kenneth Donald Hobbs, Carlos Ruano, Charles Edward Wolanski
  • Patent number: 8540081
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane fluid transport device and its method of manufacture are disclosed wherein the fibers are comprised of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the potting materials are comprised of fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer based materials. The potting method described herein, utilizes a compressed chemically resistant fluorocopolymer and or fluoroterpolymer film, allows for ease of manufacture without destruction of the PTFE hollow fibers, with high packing densities, and without the processing complexity of pre-melting, extruding, or chemical crosslinking of any polymeric adhesives. Furthermore, the PTFE hollow fibers can be treated with a fluoropolymeric solvent solution before the chemically resistant film is applied to enhance the adhesion of the PTFE fiber to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Edward Jerman, Cornelius Brown, Jr., Kenneth Donald Hobbs, Carlos Ruano, Charles Edward Wolanski
  • Publication number: 20090229401
    Abstract: Disclosed are cable assemblies, liners for cable assemblies and methods for making same. The liner in preferred embodiments comprises bearing surface with inwardly projecting surfaces, preferably at substantially regularly spaced intervals along the inner circumference of the bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Kim Reynolds, Charles P. Marino, Kevin Kray
  • Publication number: 20090193926
    Abstract: Disclosed is cable assemblies, liners for cable assemblies and method for making same. The liner (52) in preferred embodiments Comprises bearing surface with inwardly projecting surfaces (52B), preferably at substantially regularly spaced intervals along the in Circumference of the bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Kim Reynolds, Charles P. Marino, Kevin Kray
  • Publication number: 20060053945
    Abstract: Disclosed are cable assemblies, liners for cable assemblies and methods for making same. The liner in preferred embodiments comprises a multi-wall or multi-layer arrangement having a first wall or layer disposed in operative relationship to the motion transmitting member of assembly and a second wall or layer substantially surrounding the inner wall or layer wherein the outer layer comprises thermoplastic elastomer of a type and thickness effective to substantially improve the noise rating of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Applicant: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Kim Reynolds, David Panish
  • Patent number: 6617516
    Abstract: A lead wire for use with an oxygen sensor is disclosed. The wire is formed of a center strand having high tensile strength surrounded by a plurality of first strands having high electrical conductance and a plurality of second strands having high tensile strength. The first and second strands are surrounded by a plurality of third strands having high electrical conductance and arranged in groups, and a plurality of fourth strands having high tensile strength, each fourth strand being positioned between two groups of third strands. The second and fourth strands are spaced at equal separation angles around the center strand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Kim A. Reynolds, David J. Panish
  • Patent number: 6062271
    Abstract: An abrasion resistant tubular article comprising poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) having high frictional efficiency over wide temperature and load conditions. The article of the present invention is particularly well adapted for use in motion transmitting cable assemblies and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Kim A. Reynolds, Charles P. Marino
  • Patent number: 6040384
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to cable assemblies, and more particularly to flexible cable assemblies of the type used in automobiles for transmitting rotary or linear motion along a predetermined path. In a particular aspect, the present invention relates to abrasion-resistant fluorocarbon polymer composites, such as polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE") composites, having an unexpectedly high frictional efficiency under high load conditions and after long cycle times. The present invention relates to abrasion-resistant, anti-friction tubing formed from such composites, and to uses of such tubing as a liner for flexible, motion transmitting cable assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Kim A. Reynolds, Charles P. Marino, Kevin P. Kray
  • Patent number: 5964251
    Abstract: An improved conduit for transporting fuel and/or fuel vapor or a motion transmitting member in an automobile comprising an inner tube comprised of fluorocarbon polymeric material and having an inner surface for contacting and containing fluids or a motion transmitting member, and a chemically etched outer surface having a substantial portion of the fluorine of the fluorocarbon polymer substituted by a polar moiety. The conduit further includes an outer tube comprising an inner surface comprised of polymeric material containing sufficient polar groups such that hydrogen bonding at the interface between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube prevents substantial relative separation of or movement between the inner and outer tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Kim A. Reynolds, Charles P. Marino
  • Patent number: 5653266
    Abstract: An improved conduit for transporting fuel and/or fuel vapor or a motion transmitting member in an automobile comprising an inner tube comprised of fluorocarbon polymeric material and having an inner surface for contacting and containing fluids or a motion transmitting member, and a chemically etched outer surface having a substantial portion of the fluorine of the fluorocarbon polymer substituted by a polar moiety. The conduit further includes an outer tube comprising an inner surface comprised of polymeric material containing sufficient polar groups such that hydrogen bonding at the interface between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube prevents substantial relative separation of or movement between the inner and outer tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventors: Kim A. Reynolds, Charles P. Marino
  • Patent number: 5573039
    Abstract: Hoses are provided which are resistant to chemical and thermal attack and which include a polymeric liner having an integral resilient member axially located along its wall. The resilient member includes a tensile strength which is significantly greater than the polymeric material of the liner, so as to minimize the incidence of plastic deformation and kinking during manufacture, installation, and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Markel Corporation
    Inventor: Warren Mang