Patents Assigned to Milliken Research Corporation
  • Patent number: 6740608
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polyester textile fabric having a relatively low level of particulate contaminates and high absorbency is provided by heatsetting the fabric at a temperature of 300° F. or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Brian G. Morin, Daniel T. McBride, Loren W. Chambers
  • Patent number: 5955523
    Abstract: Disazo chromphores having at least two different poly(oxyalkylene) substituents are linked together by a covalent bond or by an intervening connecting group to form dimers. The preferred poly(oxyalkylene) substituents are straight chain polymers consisting of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. The disazo colorants are useful for coloring thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene and show improved extraction, migration, clarity and thermal stability characteristics as compared to standard monoazo colorants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Eric B. Stephens, Mark E. Ragsdale
  • 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: 5928446
    Abstract: A process for the application of tear resistant side and edge strip materials to a rubber base sheet of a launderable dust control mat is provided. The process involves the in-line mating of first and second strips of carboxylated rubber to the longitudinal borders of a rubber sheet and the in-line mating of third and fourth strips of carboxylated rubber to the leading and tailing edges of a rubber sheet, respectively, all by means of a series of pressure rolls. The process permits separate rubber sheet and side strip materials to be joined in a continuous or semicontinuous operation immediately prior to assembly of a mat thereby enhancing material handling efficiencies. Dust mats produced thereby are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: James N. Rockwell, Jr., William O. Burke, III, Robert C. Kerr
  • Patent number: 5921287
    Abstract: A stable permeability fabric and inflatable restraint cushion formed therefrom. The air permeability of the fabric is initially low and does not substantially increase when the fabric is subjected to biaxial loading in both the warp and the fill directions. This permeability profile permits the restraint cushion formed from the fabric to maintain stable permeability characteristics during deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Derek L. Bowen, Charles L. Bower, John A. Sollars, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5919846
    Abstract: A novel colorant compound is provided which is the addition product of an organic chromophore having at least one reactive hydroxyl or amine substituent, a polyisocyanate, and a carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, or salt of either thereof. The polyisocyanate, added in a molar excess relative to the number of such reactive substituents, reacts with the reactive hydroxyl or amine groups to provide terminal isocyanate groups. Subsequently, the carboxylic acid or salt thereof, also added in an amount excessive in relation to the number of terminal isocyanate groups, reacts therewith to from urethane moieties on the colorant. Such a compound provides excellent ink compositions upon dilution and are very soluble within all the standard ink diluents. Furthermore, such colorants provide good jettability, waterfastness, washfastness, and the like, within ink-jet applications on various types of printing substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Raj Batlaw, John W. Miley
  • Patent number: 5865933
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for creation of a textile fabric that has been patterned with a selective application of heat, which provides a carved portion in registry with a color change. The textile fabric includes a blend of fibers of a first polymer having a first color with fibers of a second polymer having fibers of a second color. The melting point of the first fibers exceeds that of the second fibers. When patterned with a selective application of heat that exceeds that of the second fibers but is less than that of the first fibers, the second fibers melt away leaving the first fibers with the first color dominating. In the uncarved areas, the resulting color is a blend of the first color and the second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Gerald Morin, Paul William Eschenbach, Howard Christy Willauer
  • Patent number: 5864002
    Abstract: A method of providing for manufacturing a colored polymer resin having the steps of:(a) blending a disazo colorant into a mixture of monomers, the colorant having a poly(oxyalkylene) substituent comprising from 2 to 200 alkylene oxide residues, bonded to each end of the disazo chromophore, the poly(oxyalkylene) substituent having a nucleophilic terminal group which is capable of reacting with at least a portion of the monomers;(b) providing conditions under which the monomers and disazo colorant polymerize to form a colored polymer resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Eric B. Stephens, Mark E. Ragsdale, David J. Moody
  • Patent number: 5861044
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively carving textile fabric by selectively applying chemicals containing a liquid repellent either alone or with other chemicals such as dye to a textile fabric and subsequently finishing said fabric. The textile fabric is then rewetted by the application of liquid. The printed areas containing liquid repellant remain dry and the areas without liquid repellent are selectively wetted out. The textile fabric is then subjected to pressurized heated gas which selectively carves the dry areas printed with liquid repellent leaving the wetted areas protected and uncarved. As an alternative embodiment, the yarns that make up a textile fabric can be individually treated with a liquid repellent prior to being formed into a textile fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Leland Crenshaw
  • Patent number: 5860613
    Abstract: A container for a strip (12) of light-sensitive material includes an elongated opening for withdrawing the material from the container. Strips (22) of light-locking material are provided on both sides of the opening, the strips being made from a napped and sheared woven fabric (12, 14). The fabric is dyed, dried, napped, sheared and heat set prior to preparation of the strips. A method of producing such a light-locking material is taught which includes steps of passing the woven fabric multiple times through napping and shearing operations to increase the pile density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald Bland Holland
  • Patent number: 5858886
    Abstract: A low permeability fabric and airbag formed therefrom suitable for use in protection of a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision are provided. In particular, the present invention provides an uncoated fabric preferably formed from a substantially symmetrical weave construction of nonsized nylon yarn at a fabric cover factor of not greater than 0.85. The fabric is characterized by an air permeability of not greater than 0.8 cubic feet of air per minute per square foot of fabric at a pressure drop of 125 Pa (0.5 inches of water) across the fabric. a method for formation of the fabric is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Derek L. Bowen, Charles L. Bower
  • Patent number: 5855991
    Abstract: A composite textile structure is provided. the composite structure includes a woven base fabric of elastomeric yarns wherein the yarns running in one direction are bicomponent sheath/core elastomeric monofilament yarns wherein the sheath has a melting point below that of the core. The bicomponent yarns are melt bonded to yarns running in a perpendicular direction by melting of the sheath. The woven base fabric is joined to a knit cover fabric by an elastomeric bond preferably formed through the lamination of an elastomeric adhesive web between the cover fabric and the base fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: George C. McLarty, III
  • Patent number: 5855393
    Abstract: An inflatable restraint cushion for use in transportation passive restraint systems is provided. The inflatable restraint cushion according to the invention is of a foldable construction having two panels with generally straight line geometric profiles. The first panel is of generally a pyramidal configuration while the second panel is of an elongated rectangular configuration joined to and extending from the apex of the first panel. Mouth forming slits are cut into the base of the first panel, thereby dividing the base into right and left segments. The right and left segments of the base are folded towards one another and are seamed together. The second panel is thereafter folded in loop fashion towards the first panel and a single seam is used to join the mating edges of the first and second panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Ramesh Keshavaraj
  • Patent number: 5855034
    Abstract: This Invention is a method and apparatus for spraying water on the underside of a series of colorant applicators in order to rinse excess colorant from the machine parts. There is a water manifold having a first end portion connected to an upper trolley by a pivoting joint and a second end portion attached to a lower trolley by both a pivoting joint and a sliding joint. Both the upper and lower trollies are constrained in the horizontal, vertical, and rotational direction by a series of cam followers. The extra degrees of freedom provided by the two pivoting joints and the sliding joint insure that no binding occurs. An optional feedback control system can be added utilizing a rotational position transducer to sense the angle of the water manifold so that the motion of the trolleys can be retarded or advanced accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Mark Pitman
  • Patent number: 5856249
    Abstract: A fabric resistant to degradation of strength and elastomeric properties upon exposure to ultraviolet irradiation is provided. The fabric includes an elastomeric fiber component which makes up not less than 40 percent by weight of the fabric. This elastomeric fiber component exhibits a tensile strength of not less than about 8 pounds force and retains at least 80 percent of its tensile strength following accelerated exposure to ultraviolet irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony R. Waldrop, Steven W. Josey, Gettys H. Knox
  • Patent number: 5834086
    Abstract: A process for the application of tear resistant edge strip material to a rubber base sheet of a launderable dust control mat is provided. The process involves the in-line mating of first and second strips of carboxilated rubber to the longitudinal borders of a rubber sheet by means of a series of pressure rolls. The process permits separate rubber sheet and side strip materials to be joined in a continuous or semi-continuous operation immediately prior to assembly of a mat thereby enhancing material handling efficiencies. An apparatus for carrying out the invention is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: William O. Burke, III, Robert C. Kerr
  • Patent number: 5832802
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting piled fabric sections such as carpet tiles is provided. The apparatus comprises a frame, a bending assembly for bending pile elements away from the normal substantially vertical orientation with respect to the base of the fabric along a line to be cut, at least one cutting blade for cutting the fabric through a portion of the bent piling elements and fabric base and power assemblies for powering the bending and cutting operations. The related method comprises the steps of bending the pile elements downward toward the fabric base along a line to be cut and thereafter cutting through the bent piling elements and fabric base to form a two-sided cut. Such method shears piling elements adjacent to one side of the cut while leaving the pile elements adjacent to the other side of the cut substantially unaltered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: William Perry Warthen, John Bonner Manly, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5833884
    Abstract: A method of depositing a conductive polymer film on a textile fabric substrate is provided by the oxidative polymerization of a pyrrole compound in the presence of a dopant anion and a stabilizing agent having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently selected from H, OH, and OR, and R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl; and R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are independently selected from H, COOH and SO.sub.3 H.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew David Child
  • Patent number: 5830092
    Abstract: A tennis ball having an outer felt fabric comprising at least two layers of non-woven fabric with the outer layer having a weight ratio of wool therein greater than 45% and the inner or bottom layer having a weight ratio of wool therein less than 40%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Randy Gregg Meeks
  • Patent number: 5822835
    Abstract: A process for treatment of a web by means of impingement by high velocity gaseous fluid is provided. The process constitutes the provision of a web to two separate treatment zones. In the first treatment zone the web is subjected to the imposition of high velocity gaseous fluid substantially tangential to the web and in the opposite direction of travel by the web through the treatment zone, such that a series of saw-tooth waves are formed in and move along the web in the opposite direction of travel by the web. In the second conditioning zone, the same type imposition of high velocity gaseous fluid to the web occurs with the gas streams and the resultant saw-tooth waves forced in the same direction as the travel of the web. The two zones are separated by an area of high tension on the web. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Louis Dischler