Patents Examined by A. S. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11628631
    Abstract: A welding structure of a T-shape welding joint in which a second base material is welded in a T-shape to a first base material may include the first base material including a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and curved portions formed between the first flat portion and the second flat portion; the second base material in which a bent portion is formed at an end of a main body portion such that the bent portion is disposed to face the curved portions of the first base material; and a bead disposed between the curved portions of the first base material and the bent portion of the second base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HWASHIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Dong Yun, Yong Min Jang
  • Patent number: 11628781
    Abstract: A vehicle interior panel and method of making a vehicle interior panel having a substrate that can be used in either a seam-based or seamless application. The vehicle interior panel includes a substrate having a seam ditch, a first retaining step adjacent a first side of the seam ditch, and a second retaining step adjacent a second side of the seam ditch. The vehicle interior panel includes a bridging support member situated in the seam ditch at least partially between the first retaining step and the second retaining step in the substrate. A decorative covering is situated over the bridging support member, the decorative covering having a continuously contoured seamless surface that extends over the seam ditch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Mardyla
  • Patent number: 11628646
    Abstract: Certain configurations of composite panels are described that comprise at least one aesthetic edge. In some embodiments, the composite panel with the aesthetic edge comprises a sandwich panel coupled to a shell layer. The sandwich panel may comprise skin layers and a core layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Hanwha Azdel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J Mason, Peter T Evers, Jr., Anthony J Messina
  • Patent number: 11623429
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical debonding type adhesive sheet capable of producing a joined body in which a voltage can be stably applied to an electrical debonding type adhesive layer. An electrical debonding type adhesive sheet according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a first adhesive layer, a substrate for voltage application including an electroconductive layer and a base layer, and a second adhesive layer in this order, and has a first protrudent part, in which the first adhesive layer and the substrate for voltage application extend and protrude with respect to the second adhesive layer, and a second protrudent part, in which the substrate for voltage application extends from the first protrudent part and protrudes with respect to the first adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kaori Akamatsu, Kaori Mizobata, Ryo Awane, Akira Hirao, Junji Yokoyama, Yosuke Shimizu
  • Patent number: 11597495
    Abstract: A vented hat stringer for an aircraft comprises a first hat-stringer leg with a first-hat-stringer-leg surface, a second hat-stringer leg with a second-hat-stringer-leg surface, a first hat-stringer sidewall, a second hat-stringer sidewall, and a hat-stringer connecting wall, comprising a hat-stringer-connecting-wall surface and a virtual hat-stringer-connecting-wall symmetry plane, passing through hat-stringer connecting wall. The vented hat stringer further comprises a ventilation opening, extending through at least one of the first hat-stringer sidewall or the hat-stringer connecting wall, or extending through at least one of the second hat-stringer sidewall or the hat-stringer connecting wall. The ventilation opening defines a ventilation-opening centerline, wherein the ventilation-opening centerline does not coincide with the virtual hat-stringer-connecting-wall symmetry plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steve L. Patterson, Daniel M. Levine, Jeffrey E. Barnes, Jeffrey F. Stulc, Christopher R. Loesche, Garrett C. Hanson
  • Patent number: 11592137
    Abstract: A vacuum adiabatic body includes a heat exchange pipeline including at least two pipelines which pass through a first plate and a second plate to allow a refrigerant to move between inner and outer spaces and a sealing plug which allows the heat exchange pipeline to pass through a first point of the first plate and a second point of the second plate without contacting a third space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Wonyeong Jung, Deokhyun Youn
  • Patent number: 11584505
    Abstract: A phononic composite material providing structural strength and blocking the propagation of elastic waves over a frequency range referred to as the bandgap. In one embodiment, the phononic composite material consists of a plurality of periodic units, each of which includes a central fiber, a relatively soft interface layer surrounding the fiber, and a matrix layer surrounding the interface layer. The properties of the interface layer may be adjusted, e.g., by adjusting the temperature of the phononic composite material, to transition from a state with a bandgap to a state lacking a bandgap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: HRL LABORATORIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob M. Hundley, Eric C. Clough, Alan J. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 11577548
    Abstract: A support structure for a non-pneumatic tire and a tire incorporating such support structure. A support membrane extends continuously between a radially-inner end and a radially-outer end. Joints may be positioned at each end. An annular band may be connected with the radially-outer end. A wheel, hub, or other structure may be connected with the radially-inner end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Steven M. Cron, Damon Lee Christenbury
  • Patent number: 11577814
    Abstract: A composite structure including a multi-layer laminate having a plurality of regions each oriented out of plane relative to an adjacent region, and each extending in a longitudinal dimension of the multi-layer laminate, wherein the multi-layer laminate includes at least one ply layer having an oblique fiber orientation relative to the longitudinal dimension, and wherein the at least one ply layer includes a first section and a second section each having a side edge, the first and second sections aligned side-by-side such that a first interface defined between the respective side edges is oriented to extend in the longitudinal dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Santiago, John Dempsey Morris, Derek Flolid, Michael Alan Lee, Marco Tullio B Ciccu
  • Patent number: 11564443
    Abstract: Films, fibers, filaments, yarns and textiles including thermoplastic elastomeric compositions are described, as are methods of making the films, fibers, filaments, yarns and textiles. These films, fibers, filaments, yarns and textiles can be used to make articles of apparel, footwear, and sporting equipment. When thermoformed, the thermoplastic elastomeric compositions can impart abrasion resistance, traction, and other advantageous properties to the articles. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Devon Frazier, Walter M. Hancock, Dave Klinger, Robert Mervar, Brian G. Prevo, Hilary Walker
  • Patent number: 11559156
    Abstract: A napkin is provided with an adhering portion and an engaging location that can releasably adhere together. The adhering portion is located on an upper side of the napkin and the engaging location is located on the lower side such that the napkin can be wrapped around items of cutlery and secured to form a wrap by engaging the adhering portion with the engaging location. The adhering portion and the engaging location are provided with mutually adhesive material that allows the adhering portion and the engaging location to releasably adhere to each other but which mutually adhesive material does not adhere to the napkin material. A cutlery wrap using the napkin of this design and a method for wrapping cutlery are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: ESSITY HYGIENE AND HEALTH AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventor: Martin Stenberg
  • Patent number: 11553749
    Abstract: A sartorial and/or industrial design is provided that is suitable for defining an item of clothing made exclusively from natural-type fibres for a user and including at least one main portion including fabric arranged in straight grain with respect to the body of the user and a secondary portion including a fabric arranged bias-wise with respect to the body of the user that is arranged in an area of the body subject to higher traction than the rest of the body and essentially shaped like at least part of the area of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: Teresa Cristaldi
  • Patent number: 11554705
    Abstract: A floor mat for a vehicle having a floor is provided and includes a mat body having a core, an upper surface and an opposing lower surface. A grommet is integrally formed with the mat body and is contained between the upper surface and the lower surface of the mat body, where the grommet includes an outer surface having a protruding member. A retainer includes a body having an inner surface and a flange extending radially outwardly from the inner surface, where the inner surface includes a protruding member, such that the retainer is removably secured to the grommet by engaging the protruding member of the grommet with the protruding member of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: THERMOFLEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Vogler, Robert Price, Jacob Price
  • Patent number: 11554514
    Abstract: A super strong and tough densified wood structure is formed by subjecting a cellulose-based natural wood material to a chemical treatment that partially removes lignin therefrom. The treated wood retains lumina of the natural wood, with cellulose nanofibers of cell walls being aligned. The treated wood is then pressed in a direction crossing the direction in which the lumina extend, such that the lumina collapse and any residual fluid within the wood is removed. As a result, the cell walls become entangled and hydrogen bonds are formed between adjacent cellulose nanofibers, thereby improving the strength and toughness of the wood among other mechanical properties. By further modifying, manipulating, or machining the densified wood, it can be adapted to various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
    Inventors: Liangbing Hu, Mingwei Zhu, Jianwei Song
  • Patent number: 11555645
    Abstract: A method for assembling a vacuum insulation assembly for an appliance is provided. The method includes steps of defining a plurality of spaces on a guide and positioning the guide flush with an inner surface of a panel. The method further includes a step of determining positions of a plurality of clips using the plurality of spaces of the guide. Another step of the method includes coupling the plurality of clips with the inner surface of the panel. The method also includes separating the guide from the panel and coupling permeable tubing with the plurality of clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Sunil S. Ekshinge, Rafael D. Nunes, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
  • Patent number: 11548427
    Abstract: A vehicle floor area may include a body and a floor. The floor may be attached to and positioned at least partially above the body. The floor may comprise floor perforations. A collection receptacle may be supported by the body and positioned at least partially below the floor so that solid waste or liquid waste can fall through the floor perforations onto the collection receptacle. The waste that has fallen onto the collection receptacle may be removed from the collection receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventor: Goutham Shanmuga Sundaram
  • Patent number: 11542639
    Abstract: A double-face fabric having elastic properties in its warp direction and provided with hook-and-loop properties, formed by the weaving of warp yarns and of weft yarns. The warp yarns are of four different types worked in different weaves with respect to the weft yarns, respectively: elastic yarns (A) worked in a taffeta weave; core yarns (B), formed of synthetic yarns texturized by false twist on the face, worked in a plain weave alternating with surface floats and having a linear strand density in the range from 10 to 25 dtex; core yarns (C) on the back side, formed of multifilament synthetic yarns, having a linear strand density in the range from 0.3 to 1.7 dtex, worked in a rep weave, alternating floats of great length on the back side and short binding areas on the face side, binding yarns, exclusively formed of thermo-adhesive synthetic yarns, having a melting point in the range from 80° C. to 160° C., worked in a plain weave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignees: BERTHEAS & CIE
    Inventor: Jean-pierre Cheynet
  • Patent number: 11535356
    Abstract: A pressure bulkhead assembly support tool configured to hold a pressure bulkhead system is presented. The pressure bulkhead assembly support tool comprises a segmented frame having a substantially circular path. A plurality of circumferential force assemblies restrains the pressure bulkhead system such that a circumferential surface of the pressure bulkhead system with a nominal shape is formed. A plurality of alignment probes holds and positions the pressure bulkhead system relative to the segmented frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charlie E. Branyon, III, Dennis R. Mathis
  • Patent number: 11523695
    Abstract: A sticky napkin is disclosed. The sticky napkin includes a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first fold line extending from the first side to the second side, a second fold line extending from the first side to the second side, a first adhesive strip overlaying the second surface of the first end section panel and extending in a direction from the first side to the second side, and a second adhesive strip overlaying the second surface of the second end section panel and extending in a direction from the first side to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventor: Andrew William Fathollahi
  • Patent number: 11524762
    Abstract: A fuselage structure splice may include a panel having an edge and a strap connected to the first panel along the panel edge. A strap surface not in contact with the panel tapers toward the panel with distance from the panel edge. A stringer is mounted on the panel and extends away from the edge of the panel and has a flange mounted to the panel. A fitting has a stringer base portion and a strap base portion. The stringer base portion is connected to the stringer flange and extends along a first line extending in a plane normal to the panel edge. The strap base portion of the fitting is mounted on the strap surface and extends along a second line in the plane. The second line is transverse to the first line and the strap base portion of the fitting has a constant thickness along the second line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Zachary Nathaniel Stoddard, Ronald Leroy McGhee