Patents Examined by M. Cole
  • Patent number: 7172802
    Abstract: Window coverings are formed of woven fabrics of acrylic yarns to provide minimal degradation of the window covering due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and to minimize damage to interior furnishings within a building at which the window coverings are applied. The window coverings are preferably formed of panels of pigmented acrylic yarn having a yarn number of about 24, 2 ply and a weave density of about 29 ends per inch of warp threads and 24 picks per inch of weft threads with about 0.063 inch square openings between the thread rows. UV blocking for A and B wavelength ranges may be on the order of 69 to 78 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Ann M. Sutherland, David F. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 7147738
    Abstract: A process for producing a component with an inner fabric includes layering at least two layers of fabric one on top of the other. A layer of plastic in powder form or sheet form is introduced between respective pairs of neighboring layers of fabric. The plastic has a melting point corresponding to at most the melting point and/or the decomposing temperature of the fabric layers. The fabric layers and plastic layer are heated and pressed at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, during which the plastic layer is at least partially melted. After reaching the desired final form, the partially-melted plastic is cooled, thereby bonding the fabric layers to one another. The cooled plastic is arranged between the layers of fabric and, in particular, at least partially between the fibers of the fabric layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Robert Bjekovic, Konrad Eipper, Bruno Möltgen, Jörn Roth, Markus Vennemann
  • Patent number: 7132161
    Abstract: A fiber velvet comprising nano-size fibers or nanofibrils attached to micro-size fibers is disclosed. Methods of manufacturing the velvet as well as various uses of the velvet are also described. For example, the fiber velvet can be used as a thermal interface or as an adhesive material. The nanofibrils may be attached to a flat base or membrane, or may be attached to the tip portions of the micro-size or larger diameter fibers. Various attributes of the micro-size fibers and of the nano-size fibers, for example, geometry (e.g. size, length, packing density) material type (e.g. carbon, metal, polymer, or ceramic) and properties (e.g. conductivity, modulus, surface energy, dielectric constant, surface roughness) can be selected depending on the desired attributes of the fiber velvet. The nanofibrils have a diameter of less than about 1 micron, and may advantageously be formed from single walled and/or multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Energy Science Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Knowles, Christopher L. Seaman
  • Patent number: 7094462
    Abstract: A base material for a wiping sheet on which powder is to be supported, wherein the ratio of the average pore diameter (D) of the surface of the base material while dry as measured by the mercury penetration method to the average particle diameter (d) of the powder, D/d, ranges from 0.03 to 30, and the base material while dry has a bulk softness of from 0.1 to 5 N/30 mm and a thickness of from 0.3 to 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Machiko Yokoyama, Manabu Kaneda, Takashi Kawai, Yasuhiro Komori, Shoichi Taneichi, Katsuhiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7094715
    Abstract: A non-halogen series floor material includes a first intermediate resin layer containing filler of 100 to 400 mass parts with respect to resin ingredient of 100 mass parts, the resin ingredient consisting essentially of resin having no chlorine atom in chemical structure, a surface resin layer integrally formed at an upper surface side of the first intermediate resin layer, the surface resin layer containing resin having no chloride atom in chemical structure and having a thickness of 100 to 1,000 ?m, a second intermediate resin layer integrally formed at a lower surface side of the first intermediate resin layer, the second intermediate resin layer containing resin having no chloride atom in chemical structure and filler of 0 to 200 mass parts with respect to resin ingredient of 100 mass parts, and a backing layer integrally formed at a lower surface side of the second intermediate resin layer, the backing layer being formed of a fibrous fabric constituted by fibers containing resin having no chloride atom i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Suminoe Textile Co., LTD
    Inventors: Eiji Sakaguchi, Makoto Koyama, Junichi Takeda, Yoshiharu Nishino, Hiroaki Ishii
  • Patent number: 7084083
    Abstract: The invention is a new heat and fire resistant material. The material is made of a woven silica-based cloth layered in several possible combinations with foil and fiberglass cloth layers. The layers can be arranged in a variety of sequences to minimize the thermal radiation to the inside of the material, but a foil layer must always be the outermost layer to provide protection from radiant heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Leslie Leah Anderson, Mary Ann Davies, Anthony Clement Petrilli, Mark Y. Ackerman
  • Patent number: 7041355
    Abstract: The present invention is a structural reinforcement part for use in automobile assembly comprising a molded shell substantially filled with a structural filler material and an expandable adhesive in contact with the exterior of the molded shell; wherein the structural filler material does not undergo or require any chemical reaction or expansion, after part installation or during automotive assembly. This simplified structural reinforcement part does not require the in-situ foaming process of the prior art and produces a strong lightweight structural member which can be adhered to the automotive skeleton via the expandable adhesive upon exposure to heat during automotive assembly. This structural member offers easy installation, since no bulk systems, pumps or additional equipment is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Juras, Kousay Said, Gary Lawrey, David G. McLeod
  • Patent number: 7030046
    Abstract: Multi-layer substrates for a premoistened wipe capable of controlled fluid release comprise a reservoir layer and a surface contact layer, wherein the reservoir and surface contact layers have certain blends of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers, as well as certain basis weights. Premoistened wipes for treating and/or cleaning a surface comprise the multi-layer substrate and a liquid composition impregnated into the multi-layer substrate, wherein the liquid composition comprises a surfactant system and/or a solvent system. Methods of treating and/or cleaning a surface comprise the step of contacting the surface with a premoistened wipe of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Arthur Wong, Jeffrey Lawrence Flora
  • Patent number: 7025914
    Abstract: A multilayer laminate is produced with in-line fabric deposition. One layer of the multilayer laminate has stable, heat-set, helically crimped fibers which are uncompacted and therefore retain their loft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey David Shelley, Kurtis L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7018692
    Abstract: A fabric includes a fabric substrate and a plurality guard plate assemblies affixed to the fabric substrate in a spaced relationship to each other. Each guard plate assembly includes a first layer of material affixed to the fabric substrate and a second layer of material joined to the first layer of material on a surface opposite the fabric substrate. The second layer of material has characteristics different than the first layer of material and are chosen commonly to meet the demands of the application to which the fabric is designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Higher Dimension Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Young-Hwa Kim, Nicole Smith, Hong Ji
  • Patent number: 6998165
    Abstract: A fabric system for producing at least a woven fabric of controlled modulus or elongation in the MD or warp axis, has a core layer which is the main structural element, and may have one or more woven cover fabrics adhesively bonded with an off axis configuration to one or both sides of the core layer. In a preferred embodiment the core fabric is covered with at least one off axis fabric on both sides. The cover fabrics may also have resin or film top layers laminated or coated on their outside surfaces, for mechanical performance or UV protection or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Warwick Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Howland
  • Patent number: 6982231
    Abstract: An elastomeric, breathable laminate having enhanced breathability is formed by bonding a breathable, microporous, extendible/elastic film to a nonwoven facing material. The facing material can be necked to impart cross-directional stretchability. Once the film and the facing material are bonded together, the resulting laminate is stretched in one or more areas to impart higher breathability to selected areas of the laminate. The breathable laminate with enhanced breathability is particularly useful as an outer cover for diapers and other personal care products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Girard Uitenbroek, Susan Elaine Shawver, Paul Windsor Estey, Cindy Janja Blackstock, William Bela Haffner, Glynis Allicia Walton
  • Patent number: 6972144
    Abstract: A composite structural material suitable, for example, as a replacement for wooden boards, is disclosed. It comprises a dimensionally stable core material ensheathed in a dimensionally stable, laminar covering that is adherent to the core material. The laminar covering is comprised of at least one layer of parallel cords bonded to at least one layer of a rigidified web material selected from the group consisting of paper and cloth. Suitable core materials include polyurethane foam, optionally filled with granulated rubber and/or expandable polymer beads. The parallel cords preferably are supplied in the form of a strip of polyester cloth, as the warp cords thereof. The web material preferably is kraft paper that is rigidified with an epoxy resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Paine Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur J. Roth, Patrick H. Winters, Michael H. Clement
  • Patent number: 6960543
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire-resistant panel having superior fire-resistance and a low dimensional change, and it also relates to a fire-resistant decorative panel using the same. More specifically, a fire-resistant panel comprising: a) a substrate material of a woven or nonwoven fabric of inorganic fiber, or a paper; and b) a resin compound containing the following materials which are impregnated or coated onto the substrate material set forth in a): i) a thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of a phenol resin, a modified phenol resin, a modified phenol-urea resin, a melamine resin, a modified melamine resin, a modified melamine-urea resin, a urea resin, and a modified urea resin; and ii) loess is provided. The present invention also provides a fire-resistant decorative panel using the fire-resistant panel as a substrate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-Min Kim, Wan-Ho Song, Hyoung-Yool Kim
  • Patent number: 6951829
    Abstract: A nonwoven scouring fabric, including a fabric made of coarse fibers interconnected to one another to form a three-dimensional network; a continuous or a discontinuous layer of synthetic resin, or the like, adhering to the fibers, which has a content of abrasive grains; reflectors being additionally bonded at the surface of the layer, which are incorporated in the network by a scattering procedure via at least one side of the nonwoven scouring fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Thomas Schindler, Vanessa Lutzmann
  • Patent number: 6924021
    Abstract: A complex-shaped carbon fiber structural member including a multiplicity of carbon epoxy fiber bundles surrounded by a unidirectional carbon fiber rope and its method of manufacture are provided. The fiber bundles are formed from large sheets of unidirectional carbon fiber materials cut into small strips, with the strips then being randomly oriented in the form of a sheet of randomized fiber bundles. The strips, and the fibers in the strips, cross over one another so as to form a layer of material that has a relatively uniform strength in all directions. The sheets of randomized carbon epoxy fiber bundles are cut into preforms for the structural part being made. Several preforms are stacked on top of each other in order to provide material to make the part of a desired thickness. To reinforce the bundles within the part, particularly along its outer periphery, the preforms are wrapped prior to molding with an elongated rope of unidirectional carbon fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Colegrove, Chad Manuell, Doug A. Cusack
  • Patent number: 6923946
    Abstract: Compositions, systems and methods are described for condensed phase conversion and growth of nanorods and other materials. A method includes providing a condensed phase matrix material; and activating the condensed phase matrix material to produce a plurality of nanorods by condensed phase conversion and growth from the condensed chase matrix material instead of from vacor. The compositions are very strong. The compositions and methods provide advantages because they allow (1) formation rates of nanostructures necessary for reasonable production rates, and (2) the near net shaped production of component structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: David B. Geohegan, Roland D. Seals, Alex A. Puretzky, Xudong Fan
  • Patent number: 6919117
    Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric comprising multiple layers of a web formed from a blended mixture of metal fibers and nonmetal fibers is provided. The metal fibers preferably have a rough outer surface with irregular shaped cross-sections that vary along their length. The fibers of adjacent layers of the web material are interengaged in a needlepunching step. The composite nonwoven fabrics of the invention, which have very good isotropic strength. In a preferred embodiment, the composite nonwoven fabric is employed as a floor buffing pad for use with an electric floor buffing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Global Material Technologies, Incorporated
    Inventors: Terrence P. Kane, Kurt H. Schild, III
  • Patent number: 6916751
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat transfer material containing a first (interior) meltable layer, a second (surface) meltable layer, and a release coating layer separating the first and second meltable layers. During a transfer process, the first (interior) meltable layer, release coating layer, and second (surface) meltable layer penetrate into the yarn interstices, or other undulations, of a given substrate to be coated. Only the second (surface) meltable layer transfers to the substrate, resulting in a thinner transfer coating compared to conventional coatings. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a printable heat transfer material and a method of forming an image-bearing coating on a surface of a substrate using the printable heat transfer material in a hot or cold peelable transfer process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Neenah Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis J. Kronzer
  • Patent number: RE38852
    Abstract: A tear/puncture resistant semi-laminate material having a first layer of a flexible sheet of thermoplastic material and a second layer of a water impermeable thermoplastic material impregnated with a volatile corrosion inhibitor. The layers are not bonded with a uniform layer of adhesive, but are semi-laminated by bonding at points or in strips at the edges of the respective layers or at discrete, discontinuous intervals across the width of the material. In the preferred embodiments, the first layer is a tear resistant layer, which may be a layer of woven fibers, a nonwoven layer of spunbonded fibers, or a tear resistant film. In an alternative embodiment, polypropylene is substituted for polyethylene in the first and second layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Victor Manuel Quinones