Patents Examined by Jeff Vonch
  • Patent number: 8991081
    Abstract: A decorated card having at least one leaf, and a cutout formed in the leaf and defined by a cutout outline. The card is characterized by the fact that it has at least two threads extending under tension across the cutout outline, and a plurality of spangles, the spangles being held suspended from each of the threads under tension so as to cover at least part of the area defined by the cutout outline. A manufacturing method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Chanel Parfums Beaute
    Inventor: Sylvie Legastelois
  • Patent number: 8993091
    Abstract: A foam-filled panel is provided. The foam-filled panel can have a substrate layer with a padded area, an unpadded area, an opening within said unpadded area, and a bounding region between the padded area and the unpadded area. A skin can extend across the padded area of the substrate layer and a foam layer can be present between the padded area of the substrate layer and the skin. In addition, a disposable foam injection port is attached to the substrate layer at the bounding region of the padded area and can extend into and be an obstruction to the opening. The disposable foam injection port can be in fluid communication with the foam layer and unattaching the disposable foam injection port from the substrate layer can remove the obstruction to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry Scott Zellner, Jr., Chase Nelson
  • Patent number: 8906487
    Abstract: In a base material with a single-crystal silicon carbide film according to an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of recessed portions is formed on the surface of a silicon substrate, an insulating film including silicon oxide is formed across the surface of the silicon substrate including the inner surfaces of the recessed portions, the top surfaces of side wall portions of recessed portions of the insulating film form flat surfaces, a single-crystal silicon carbide film is joined on the flat surfaces, and the recessed portions below the single-crystal silicon carbide film form holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Shimada
  • Patent number: 8871327
    Abstract: A camouflage structure, capable of altering its appearance, comprises a camouflage graphic layer and a color-changing layer disposed on the camouflage graphic layer. Originally, the camouflage structure presents a first color state. After the color-changing layer changes the color by driving methods, the camouflage structure presents a second color state. For example, a transparent or semi-transparent color-changing layer able to reflect or emitting red light could be disposed on the woodland camouflage graphic layer, which allows for the overall appearance to change from the greenish woodland camouflage to the brownish desert camouflage. Alternatively, the camouflage structure could comprise a greenish camouflage graphic layer made of material with red-shift characteristics, which means the greenish camouflage graphic layer consists of different colors of chromic materials with reversible red-shift characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Chen-Chu Tsai
  • Patent number: 8852720
    Abstract: An article may include an array of features formed in a substrate and may be coated by a thermal barrier coating (TBC). The array of features may mitigate thermal stress experienced by the coated article. In particular, the array of features may reduce or limit crack propagation at or above the interface of a thermally insulative layer and a bond coat in the TBC. In some embodiments, the array may be formed proximate to and substantially aligned with cooling holes formed in the substrate. In other embodiments, an article may include a first array of features formed in a first location of a substrate and a second array of features formed in a second location of a substrate. The first and second locations may be determined or selected based on a prediction of thermal stresses that the substrate will experience at the first and second locations during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Ann Bolcavage, Raymond J. Sinatra
  • Patent number: 8840981
    Abstract: A microfluidic device comprised of a material layer and a fluid transport feature having at least one characteristic dimension of less than 500 micrometers formed in or on the material layer. A chemically resistant, thermally stable and biocompatible multilayer coating is provided onto and in contact with the microfluidic device, wherein the multilayer coating includes one or more thin film layers comprised primarily of hafnium oxide or zirconium oxide and one or more thin film layers comprised primarily of tantalum oxide, the multilayer coating being located on a surface of the fluid transport feature. The corrosion resistant film can be formed on the surfaces of fluid transport features of microfluidic devices using atomic layer deposition film forming methods that produce conformal films that cover complex geometries, thereby enabling the corrosion resistant film to be formed on all surfaces of the fluid transport features of the microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Kurt D. Sieber
  • Patent number: 8795809
    Abstract: An elastic film material that resists the propagation of a tear. The film material includes an SEEPS elastomeric block copolymer and has a time to break of at least 10 hours. The elastomeric block copolymer has a Tm of between about 10° C. and 20° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Todd Leon Mansfield
  • Patent number: 8765250
    Abstract: A composite particularly suited for use as a transfer layer in an absorbent article has a first layer comprising a formed film having a plurality of capillary-sized apertured protuberances and a plurality of two-dimensional drains, and a second layer in intimate contact with an apertured end of said capillary-sized protuberances and spaced from the first layer in a z-direction, the second layer is either a three-dimensional apertured formed film or a nonwoven web. In embodiments where the second layer is a three-dimensional formed film, the film contains a plurality of capillary sized protuberances that are of smaller diameter compared to the protuberances in the first layer and optionally also contains a plurality of drains, which can be either two-dimensional or three-dimensional, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Tredegar Film Products Corporation
    Inventors: Rickey J. Seyler, William C. Ancarrow, III
  • Patent number: 8741083
    Abstract: A method for producing an elastically stretchable laminate having at least three layers, the method including the steps of: a) producing a first laminate having a first non-elastic fibrous nonwoven web and an elastic film; b) activating the first laminate by incremental stretching in at least one activation direction to render the first laminate elastically stretchable; c) stretching the activated first laminate to 10-200% in the activation direction; and d) laminating the stretched first laminate to a second non-elastic nonwoven web. An elastically stretchable laminate produced in accordance with the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Margareta Wennerbäck, Jan Wästlund-Karlsson, Elisabeth Lakso
  • Patent number: 8715808
    Abstract: This invention provides a coupling method for coupling a first and a second stiffening profile element for an outer skin of an aircraft or space craft. In a first step the stiffening profile elements are arranged on the outer skin in such a manner that the stiffening profile elements oppose each other with their respective front sides and enclose within themselves a cavity. Furthermore, a fixing hole is formed through a wall of at least one of the stiffening profile elements in the cavity inside a coupling zone of the stiffening profile element. An access opening is formed through the wall in the cavity along the coupling zone. A coupling strap, which couples the stiffening profile elements together, is fastened to the coupling zone by means of a fastening element guided through the fixing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Roming, Thorsten Schroeer, Hauke Kirstein, Hinnik Gensch, Stefan Tacke
  • Patent number: 8715802
    Abstract: The invention provides a transferring apparatus for a flexible electronic device and method for fabricating a flexible electronic device. The transferring apparatus for the flexible electronic device includes a carrier substrate. A release layer is disposed on the carrier substrate. An adhesion layer is disposed on a portion of the carrier substrate, surrounding the release layer and adjacent to a sidewall of the release layer. A flexible electronic device is disposed on the release layer and the adhesion layer, wherein the flexible electronic device includes a flexible substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Pao-Ming Tsai, Liang-You Jiang, Yu-Yang Chang, Hung-Yuan Li
  • Patent number: 8703271
    Abstract: A thermal interface material (1) comprises a bulk polymer (2) within which is embedded sub-micron (c. 200 to 220 nm) composite material wires (3) having Ag and carbon nanotubes (“CNTs”) 4. The CNTs are embedded in the axial direction and have diameters in the range of 9.5 to 10 nm and have a length of about 0.7 ?m. In general the pore diameter can be in the range of 40 to 1200 nm. The material (1) has particularly good thermal conductivity because the wires (3) give excellent directionality to the nanotubes (4)—providing very low resistance heat transfer paths. The TIM is best suited for use between semiconductor devices (e.g. power semiconductor chip) and any type of thermal management systems for efficient removal of heat from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: University College Cork—National University of Ireland
    Inventors: Kafil M. Razeeb, Saibal Roy, James Francis Rohan, Lorraine Christine Nagle
  • Patent number: 8703270
    Abstract: A napkin having a basic quadratic shape. Two or three slits are provided that are disposed parallel to one another. The slits are spaced from at least one outer edge of the napkin, and each slit has a length configured to receive at least a portion of a piece of cutlery or an eating utensil therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mank GmbH
    Inventor: Lothar Hümmerich
  • Patent number: 8697241
    Abstract: A glass film laminate includes a glass film and a supporting glass. The glass film and the supporting glass have surfaces in contact with each other, and each of the surfaces has a surface roughness Ra of 2.0 nm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Takaya, Masahiro Tomamoto, Hiroshi Takimoto, Hirokazu Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8693086
    Abstract: It is disclosed an appearance-modifying device (10), for modifying the visual appearance of a surface covered thereby. The appearance-modifying device (10) comprises two oppositely arranged substrates (11, 12), which are spaced apart by a spacer structure (13). The spacer structure (13) spaces apart the two substrates (11, 12) in such a way that a space between the two substrates (11, 12) is divided into a plurality of cells (15, 16), the shapes of the individual cells (15, 16) being such that an aperiodic cell pattern (14) is formed by the cells (15, 16). Each cell (15, 16) may comprise an optically transparent fluid having a plurality of particles dispersed therein. The particles are moveable in the fluid through application of an electric field. An appliance at least partly covered by the appearance-modifying device (10) is also disclosed. Furthermore, it is disclosed a method for manufacturing the appearance-modifying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Alwin Rogier Martijn Verschueren, Gerrit Oversluizen, Sander Jurgen Roosendaal, Thomas Caspar Kraan, Dirk Kornelis Gerhardus De Boer
  • Patent number: 8691370
    Abstract: A multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The multi-layered support structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The multi-layered support structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the multi-layered support structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, John F. Aldrich, Timothy P. Coffield, Andrew B. Hartmann, Kelly E. Washburn, Michael D. Stanton, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8685527
    Abstract: A member a support for a device includes a mass of rubber delimited by two substantially parallel opposite surfaces forming respectively a supporting surface and a surface for connection with a tire. The mass includes an opening arranged in the connecting surface delimiting a recess arranged in the mass, and the opening does not lead to outside of the connecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique, S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Cubizolle, Claudio Battocchio
  • Patent number: 8668968
    Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for plug in a base-isolated structure capable of providing a plug for base-isolated structure having sufficient damping performance, displacement following property and the like, and more particularly to a composition for plug in a base-isolated structure characterized by including powder and an elastomer composition formed by compounding an elastomer component with a reinforcing filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Wakana, Shigenobu Suzuki, Hironori Hamazaki, Hideaki Kato
  • Patent number: 8628848
    Abstract: A filmic label including a face material having a front side, a reverse side and an adhesive layer including pressure sensitive adhesive on the reverse side of the face material. The face material includes at least one surface layer on at least one side of at least one central layer. The at least one central layer includes cavities that have been initiated at initiation sites by stretching the face material in a longitudinal direction and in a cross direction. The cavities have been expanded in a thickness direction of the face material by allowing a gaseous substance to have an effect on the at least one central layer. Also a method for forming a plastic film for a filmic label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: UPM Raflatac Oy
    Inventors: Håkan Saxen, Martti Vähälä, Tom Saxberg
  • Patent number: 8623485
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive unit for emblem, which includes: a plurality of double-faced adhesive pieces each having a shape corresponding to a shape of a respective one of a plurality of emblem pieces; a first release film attached to a face of each of the plurality of double-faced adhesive pieces to be adhered to an emblem, so that a mutual positional relationship of the plurality of double-faced adhesive pieces is maintained; and a second release film attached to the other face of each of the plurality of double-faced adhesive pieces opposite to the face to be adhered to the emblem. The present invention also provides a method of producing the adhesive unit for emblem, a jig for adhering emblem, and an emblem for adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Nitto Denko Corporation, Nissho Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Asano, Isao Hirose, Shinji Inokuchi, Tokuhisa Kosaka