Patents Examined by Alexander S. Thomas
  • Magnetized substrate carrier apparatus with shadow mask for deposition
    Patent number: 11056277
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a magnetized substrate carrier apparatus are described herein. In some embodiments, a substrate carrier apparatus includes: a carrier plate having a support surface to support a substrate, a mask assembly disposed above the support surface, wherein the mask assembly includes an annular frame and a shadow mask disposed within the annular frame, and wherein the shadow mask includes one or more openings arranged in a predetermined pattern and disposed through the shadow mask, and one or more magnets disposed on or embedded within at least one of the carrier plate and the shadow mask to create a magnetic field above the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Lee Diehl, Alexander Lerner, Roey Shaviv
  • Continuous fiber brake rotor preform and apparatuses and methods for manufacturing same
    Patent number: 11047443
    Abstract: A continuous fiber brake rotor preform and apparatuses and methods for manufacturing the preform are disclosed herein. The preform comprises a plurality of continuous fiber streams or filaments forming a substantially helical structure having layers or flights compressed together in the preform's longitudinal direction. Each continuous fiber stream or filament may comprise the same or different types of fiber, extends substantially between longitudinally disposed preform ends, and resides laterally adjacent to another continuous fiber stream or filament within each layer or flight of the helical structure. The radial distance between each continuous fiber stream or filament and the preform's longitudinal axis varies with angular location about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: BAM Inc.
    Inventor: Allen Simpson
  • Matting system
    Patent number: 11046040
    Abstract: Improved containment mats and systems of containment mats may include multiple adjoining mats with a top surface and a bottom surface. The multiple mats may provide a modular structural mat system that may be installed at a drill site, with multiple mats placed adjacent to each other with a lap joint connecting adjacent mats. A geotextile may be used to cover the lap joints and a coating applied to the geotextile. Such a system may provide containment of potential spills, a reliable working surface for drilling operations, and relatively fast and less expensive installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Diamond T. Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James Ingalls
  • Cotton packaging roll film and preparation method thereof
    Patent number: 11046492
    Abstract: A cotton packaging roll film comprising a roll film base material formed by a plurality of packaging sections that are connected end to end; the packaging section comprises an adhesive area and a non-adhesive area connected with the adhesive area; the adhesive area of a previous packaging section is connected to one end of the non-adhesive area of a later packaging section, wherein the said end of the non-adhesive area is a Z-shaped folded end; a detachable bonding structure is arranged between the two end surfaces of the recession of the folded end close to the middle portion of the adhesive area; a tearing line used for separation during packaging is arranged at the junction of the adhesive area of a previous packaging section and the non-adhesive area of a later packaging section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Wuchuan Zhu
  • Coupling system, assembly of an equipment rigidly connected to a user and a coupling system and kiteboarding kite bar
    Patent number: 11034421
    Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling system for coupling a piece of equipment rigidly connected to a user with at least one rigging strand, including a central body made of two parts configured to be assembled with one another via an attachment unit, a fastener including two ends, a shell configured to at least partially cover the side surface of the central body, and at least one lock configured to engage with the shell in order to releasably lock the second end of the fastener, the shell being movable in translation over the side surface of the central body and being connected to the central body via at least one elastic recall component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Donatien Roger
  • Splice joint in laminate composite structure
    Patent number: 11027521
    Abstract: Layers of plies of composite material are laid on a convex tool surface. A first layer is placed with a first ply of a first section having a gap edge adjacent a gap edge of a first ply of a second section, the edges being parallel and a contraction distance from each other. A second layer is placed with a second ply of the first section having a gap edge adjacent a gap edge of a second ply of the second section, the edges being parallel and a contraction distance from each other, the second ply of the second section overlapping onto the first ply of the first section by a splice distance. Consolidation and curing cause contraction of the layers toward the tool, allowing the adjacent gap edges of each layer to be in close proximity or in contact after moving toward each other during the contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastien Duval
  • Joint structure
    Patent number: 11020912
    Abstract: A joint structure includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a projection having a distal end and a base end. The distal end is thicker than the base end. The second member is made of a material different from a material of the first member and has a fitting groove into which the projection is to be inserted. The projection includes, on its surface, an inclined surface extending from the distal end to the base end and inclined with respect to a facing direction in which the first member and the second member face each other. The projection at least includes a plurality of fiber-containing layers that each have a sections in which a fiber extends along the inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kensuke Yoshimura
  • Edge profile for a sheet-like material, and sheet-like material
    Patent number: 11021006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an edge profile for a sheet-like material including a layered structure with a main body made of plastic which has a first base colour tone, with a decorative base material which has a second base colour tone, and with a decorative print. A final decoration which has a third base colour tone is formed at least from decorative base material and decorative print together. The decorative base material is a layer arranged between main body and decorative print. For easier production, the invention proposes that the decorative base layer is a layer of plastic co-extruded with the main body. The invention also relates to a sheet-like material with a corresponding edge profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Fritz Egger GmbH & Co. OG
    Inventor: Thomas Streichardt
  • Traction enhancing aggregate
    Patent number: 11015099
    Abstract: A traction enhancing aggregate is provided comprised of a body with a side having a top and bottom with each having three or more protruding conical masses with axes positioned about a circular centerline and made from moldable material capable of being delivered by hand or traction enhancing system to a lower surface such as ground to provide an increased coefficient of friction between an upper surface such as a shoe or tire and a lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: James B. Skarie
  • Device for processing and conditioning of material transported through the device
    Patent number: 11014063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treatment of material transported through the device having a specific design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Marco Altheimer, Werner Bonrath, Roman Goy, Jonathan Alan Medlock, Sergio Vernuccio, Philipp Rudolf Von Rohr
  • Customizable article and methods for use thereof
    Patent number: 11006706
    Abstract: A system for customizing an article. The system includes a base and at least one attachment having a decorative element and flanges flanking the decorative element and forming an opening on each side of the decorative element. The base has a plurality of projecting elements projecting from a surface of the base and having a protrusion at an end thereof or a plurality of pincers defining an inlet and a cavity. Each of the protrusions or pincers can be deformed to fit through the openings on each side of one of the decorative elements after which the protrusions or pincers will return to a non-deformed shape and secure the attachment with decorative element in the article. Also a method for customizing an article with the attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: U-LACE, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy J. Talley
  • Vacuum insulated panel for counteracting vacuum bow induced deformations
    Patent number: 11002477
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated cabinet structure includes first and second cover members having pre-deformed portions and perimeter portions. The perimeter portions of the first and second cover members are disposed along first and second planar levels and the pre-deformed portions of the first and second cover members include portions thereof extending outwardly relative to the first and second planar levels. A thermal bridge interconnects the first cover member and the second cover member at the perimeter portions thereof to define an insulating cavity therebetween. The insulating cavity is a sealed cavity having a vacuum drawn therefrom. The pre-deformed portions of the first and second cover members move inwardly towards the first and second planar levels under a force of the vacuum within the insulating cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Dherde, Lorraine J. Westlake
  • Equine matting
    Patent number: 11000008
    Abstract: Equine matting for a horse stall made of a composite textile of nonwoven fabric sewn to a plastic grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SMV Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry M. Kallam, James B. Taylor, Carol W. Brown
  • System and method for a composite panel
    Patent number: 10994500
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite panel for an air vehicle having a predetermined size and shape. The method includes forming a frame including an outer mold line surface and at least one edge extending from the outer mold line surface. The outer mold line surface includes an OML inner surface. The edge includes an edge inner surface and an edge outer surface opposite the edge inner surface. The OML inner surface and the edge inner surface define a cavity. The method also includes positioning a plurality of uncured plies within the cavity. The OML inner surface and the edge inner surface support the uncured plies during a curing process. The method further includes curing the uncured plies using the curing process. A post-cure size and shape of the cured plies and the frame corresponds to the predetermined size and shape without trimming any of the cured plies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: David Pook
  • Composite structure
    Patent number: 10994513
    Abstract: A composite structure includes a stepped portion formed by laminating a plurality of plies with end surfaces thereof being shifted from each other. The composite structure includes a body portion which includes a first structure portion where a first ply is laminated on a top layer of the first structure portion, a second structure portion where a second ply is laminated on a top layer of the second structure portion, and the stepped portion disposed between the first structure portion and the second structure portion, the second ply being positioned at a distance from the first ply in a lamination direction, and a first cover ply which includes a covering portion covering the stepped portion, one end portion, and the other end portion and is formed so as to cover only a part of a surface of the first ply or a part of a surface of the second ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kashiwagi, Yoshinori Nonaka, Kiyoka Takagi, Tooru Shitani, Toshio Abe
  • Aerodynamic aircraft wall comprising at least one vortex generator, and aircraft comprising the said aerodynamic wall
    Patent number: 10994854
    Abstract: An aerodynamic aircraft wall has external and internal surfaces and is equipped with at least one vortex generator. The vortex generator has at least one active wall projecting with respect to the external surface of the aerodynamic wall. A connecting system connects the vortex generator to the aerodynamic wall. The connecting system includes at least one support having a base pressed firmly against the internal surface of the aerodynamic wall and a head which passes through the aerodynamic wall and collaborates with the active wall, at least one first fastener connecting the base of the support and the aerodynamic wall, at least one second fastener connecting the head of the support and the active wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Erwan Krier, Grégory De Oliveira, Thomas Bourdieu, Adrien Bas
  • Padding layer for athletic field
    Patent number: 10995458
    Abstract: Various embodiments for a panel that may be combined with other similar panels to form a padding layer of an athletic field, or other surface, are disclosed. The panel for use in a padding layer of a panel system includes a male locking element configured to form a dove-tail connection with at least one adjacent panel. The dove-tail connection includes a male locking element of the panel coupling with a female locking element of the at least one adjacent panel and forming an interference fit between the male locking element and the female locking element. A space is proved between the male locking element and the female element when coupled that permits thermal expansion of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 4427017 CANADA INC.
    Inventor: Frédéric Vachon
  • Solid laminate stringer
    Patent number: 10988229
    Abstract: A solid laminate stringer includes a base segment that forms a first generally trapezoidal cross section. The solid laminate stringer also includes a transition segment abutting the base segment, with concave sides that are continuous with the sides of the base segment. The solid laminate stringer also includes a top segment abutting the transition segment, where the top segment forms a second generally trapezoidal cross section with sides that are continuous with the concave sides of the transition segment. The solid laminate stringer may also include a first overwrap layer covering the top segment, the transition segment, and at least a portion of the base segment. The solid laminate stringer may also include a second overwrap layer overlapping at least a portion of the first overwrap layer covering the base segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jiangtian Cheng, Ian E. Schroeder, Gary D. Swanson, Kanna M. Pham, Samuel E. Cregger, Scott M. Spencer
  • Profiled reinforcement element
    Patent number: 10988011
    Abstract: A profiled reinforcement element and a method for manufacturing such an element to be embedded in an elastomer strip, in particular a sealing strip or edge protection strip, the profiled reinforcement element being formed by a metal strip which is extended by expanding incisions located at a regular distance from each other and is shaped by creating profiled sections and introducing beads. Openings that have a closed rim and are formed by expanding the incisions are completely enclosed by beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: CQLT SAARGUMMI TECHNOLOGIES S.À.R.L.
    Inventors: Bernard Tessier, David Petry
  • Knitted-in laces for shaping and fitting textiles and fabrics
    Patent number: 10973341
    Abstract: A textile comprising: i) a fabric including a laced region associated with a surface of the textile; and ii) a thread inlaid through a plurality of points proximate a perimeter of the laced region. Tightening the thread causes opposite sides of the laced region to be cinched together, thereby forming the laced region into a flap associated with a second surface of the textile opposite the first surface. The textile further comprises a listing wire disposed in the flap. The fabric forms a plurality of perforations within the laced region. The listing wire may be accessed by an attachment device through at least one of the plurality of perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, Janet C. Robincheck, Daniel W. Booth, Heidi H. Mcadoo-Wilson, Neil Tagner