Patents Examined by Patrick Butler
  • Patent number: 8475698
    Abstract: A method of making a carbon nanopipe and ensemble of carbon nanopipes, comprising the steps of flowing a carbon precursor over silica fibers and thereby depositing a durable graphitizable carbon coating of tunable thickness of about 10-500 nm onto the silica fibers and etching away the silica fibers to yield a three-dimensional mat of electronically networked, hollow carbon tubules. A carbon nanopipe comprising a durable graphitizable carbon wall of tunable thickness of about 10-500 nm formed by exposing a silica fiber network to a carbon precursor vapor and thereby depositing a carbon film onto the silica fiber network at a temperature suitable for complete pyrolysis of the carbon precursor and removing the silica fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Justin C Lytle, Trevor N. Zimmerman, Debra R Rolison
  • Patent number: 8460590
    Abstract: A process for continuously producing an elastomeric composition includes providing at least one extruder, metering and feeding at least one elastomer, at least one filler, and ingredients different from elastomers and fillers into the at least one extruder, mixing and dispersing the at least one filler and the ingredients different from elastomers and fillers into the at least one elastomer using the at least one extruder, and extruding a resulting elastomeric composition. The at least one extruder includes the housing and at least one screw rotatably mounted in the housing. The housing includes at least one feed opening and a discharge opening. At least one of the ingredients different from elastomers and fillers includes a subdivided product including one or more minor ingredients dispersed in at least one thermoplastic binding agent. An apparatus for continuously producing the elastomeric composition is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Renato Caretta, Maurizio Galimberti, Cesare Amurri, Cristiano Puppi, Giuseppe Ducoli, Enrico Albizzati
  • Patent number: 8414822
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method for curing polymers and polymer composites with X-rays generated by the bremsstrahlung effect, using a high power, high energy electron beam. The process generates X-rays with sufficient throughput and penetration for commercial use. The present invention employs high power, high energy electron beams to create the X-rays. The beams are typically run at energies ranging from 1 MeV to 10 MeV, preferably from 3 MeV to 10 MeV, and more preferably from 5 MeV to 7 MeV. The beams typically have powers ranging from 30 kW or higher, preferably 80 kW or higher, more preferably 100 kW of higher, and ideally at least 200 kW. Suitable polymers and polymer composites include, but are not limited to, polymeric molding materials, fiber reinforced molding materials, reactive monomer impregnated wood, similar and dissimilar materials bonded through adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ion Beam Applications, S.A.
    Inventors: Richard A. Galloway, Anthony J. Berejka, Olivier Gregoire, Marshall Robert Cleland
  • Patent number: 8366985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing watercourse blocks continuously arranged in the construction spot, which continuously arranges the watercourse blocks according to the construction spot by preparing iron bar grates to be orthogonal to each other inside molding frames that are continuously arranged, casting concrete, preventing moisture evaporation and frost damage and employing iron bar grates so that the watercourse blocks continuously arranged according to the construction spot can be manufactured and constructed on the spot. Therefore, works for manufacturing the watercourse blocks in a plant and then assembling or fixing them in the construction spot according to the related art can be reduced as much as possible, the watercourse blocks can be simply manufactured and constructed on the spot to reduce a manufacturing cost and a construction time, which can thus significantly reduce the prime cost of the construction cost and diminish accident risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Kyo Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8333918
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a nonwoven web, the method including the steps of providing plurality of fibers and subjecting the fibers to a pneumatic attenuation force which imparts a velocity to the fibers, reducing the velocity of the fibers in a diffusion chamber which is formed substantially between opposed diverging sidewalls, subjecting the fibers to an applied electrostatic charge, and thereafter collecting the fibers into a web on a moving forming surface. The invention also provides an apparatus for forming nonwoven webs, the apparatus comprising a source of fibers, a fiber attenuation chamber, a diffusion chamber formed substantially between opposed diverging sidewalls, the diffusion chamber located below the fiber attenuation chamber, and a forming surface for collecting the fibers as a nonwoven web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Edward Lennon, Thomas William Brock, Bryan David Haynes, Douglas Jay Hulslander
  • Patent number: 8318064
    Abstract: This present invention is for an improved method of recycling waste materials consisting substantially of cellulosic fiber and thermoplastic resin to make combustible products useful as industrial fuel with high heat output. The preferred method utilizes a low-speed and high-torque grinder to facilitate the continuous processing of feedstock. One advantage of the present invention over the prior art is the ability to continuously process feedstock while reducing the risk of fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Balcones Recycling, Inc.
    Inventor: Bart P. Parish
  • Patent number: 8313678
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a microporous high-density polyethylene film for a battery separator, and process for preparing the same. The microporous high-density polyethylene film according to the present invention comprises of high-density polyethylene with weight average molecular weight of 2×105˜4×105, containing not more than 5 wt % of molecules with molecular weight of 1×104 or less and not more than 5 wt % of molecules with molecular weight of 1×106 or more, and has the properties of puncture strength of 0.22 N/?m or more, Darcy's permeability constant of 1.8×10?5 Darcy or more, and shrinkage of 4% or less in machine and transverse direction, respectively. Particularly, the microporous high-density polyethylene film has excellent extrusion-compoundability and stretchability with high productivity and enhances performances and stability of the battery using the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: SK Innovation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Keun Lee, Jang-Weon Rhee, Jung-Moon Sung, Byoung-Cheon Jo
  • Patent number: 8282869
    Abstract: A precast concrete meter pit consisting of a plurality of precast concrete hollow elongated cylindrical wall sections in end to end relation to one another is fabricated by utilizing a slip form packerhead apparatus in which the wall sections are formed with an annular slip ring when concrete is injected into the slip form apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Precast Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Anderson, Geoffery S. Parrington, Eugene J. Pelchat, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8262977
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a concrete shaft bottom which comprises a drain having a defined shape. According to said method, concrete is introduced into a bottom mold (1) that comprises a mold jacket (2) and a mold bottom (3). On said mold bottom (3), a molded body (8) forming the negative shape of the drain is disposed to configure the drain. The aim of the invention is to allow for the inexpensive and mechanized production of a shaft bottom having an individual drain. For this purpose, the molded body (8) is configured from at least one molded piece (9) that is fixed on the bottom mold (1), especially on the mold bottom (3). The molded piece (9) is adapted to the dimensions of the defined shape of the drain and is removed from the shaft bottom once or while the formwork is dismantled from the shaft bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Johann Schlusselbauer
  • Patent number: 8226880
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for producing a polymeric film that accurately replicates a mold surface at least a portion of which surface has a complex pattern of microstructured or nano-structured dimensions. A polymeric powder is electrodeposited on an underlying mold surface and heated to its molten state to replicate a pattern on the mold surface. Then the powder can be cured to create a polymeric film. Finally the film is removed from the mold surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: 10X Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Pricone
  • Patent number: 8178018
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing fiber-cement soffit building products. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for producing fiber-cement soffits includes a punch assembly, a support assembly facing at least a portion of the punch assembly, and an actuator operatively coupled to at least one of the punch assembly or the support assembly. The punch assembly can include a punch plate and a plurality of punches coupled to the punch plate. Each punch can have a length and a first cross-sectional dimension generally normal to the length. The support assembly can have a support plate, and at least a portion of the support plate is juxtaposed to at least a portion of the punch plate. The support plate can include a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern so that each hole in the portion of the support plate juxtaposed to the punch plate is aligned with a corresponding punch on the punch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: PacTool International Ltd.
    Inventors: Joe Gaidjiergis, Lloyd Fladgard, Scott Fladgard
  • Patent number: 8162645
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for forming a three-dimensional polymer based part including a die tool having a specified shape and size and exhibiting an exposed polymer adhering surface corresponding in configuration to a polymeric based part to be created. A volume holding bin supports a three-dimensional article including at least one exposed and pattern defining surface. A volume of a granulated polymer material is deposited into the bin and around the article. A sub-volume of the material adheres to and forms a hardened layer upon the exposed pattern defining surface, a corresponding part created having a specified thickness and matching configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8123994
    Abstract: Methods and devices incorporating a guidewire entry port subassembly for use in rapid exchange catheters. The use of a subassembly allows for stronger quality control and simpler fabrication of a rapid exchange device. In several embodiments, methods of making a molded guidewire entry port using a mold, often in conjunction with one or more mandrels, are disclosed. Several device embodiments include a separate molded guidewire port as well as molded guidewire ports which are attached, during a molding step, to segments of a catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Holzapfel, Martin J. Plantenberg, Daniel K. Tomaschko, Richard J. Olson
  • Patent number: 8088316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the perforation of nonwovens with a perforating roll and an opposing roll. The perforating roll and opposing roll form a gap, through which a nonwoven being perforated, is guided and perforated. The perforation apparatus comprises a feed device and a withdrawal device. The feed device is arranged such that the nonwoven being perforated advances first onto the opposing roll, before it enters the gap. The withdrawal device is arranged such that after leaving the gap, the perforated nonwoven remains on the perforating roll. Furthermore, a perforation method and a corresponding nonwoven structure are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Fiberweb Corovin GmbH
    Inventors: Mathias Muth, Indra Roy, Ralf Sodemann
  • Patent number: 8070998
    Abstract: Gel-spun multi-filament polyethylene yarns possessing a high degree of molecular and crystalline order, and to the drawing methods by which they are produced. The drawn yarns are useful in impact absorption and ballistic resistance for body armor, helmets, breast plates, helicopter seats, spall shields, and other applications; composite sports equipment such as kayaks, canoes, bicycles and boats; and in fishing line, sails, ropes, sutures and fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Yiu-Tai Tam, Chok B. Tan, Charles R. Arnett, Jr., Qiang Zhou
  • Patent number: 8066931
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the manufacture of concrete pipes (2) made of an outer layer and having an inner layer of greater density in surface structure is described. The inner layer is applied by an applicator in a mould (1) having both outer (3) and inner (4) mould parts. The applicator is formed by an inner mould part or core (4) or by an applicator unit in immediate connection with the core (4). The applicator applies the inner layer simultaneously or immediately following vibration of the concrete forming the pipe. The inner layer is applied during movement of the inner mould part or core (4) in its longitudinal direction, the core having one or more supply openings (14) provided along the circumference of the core (4) at the upper end of the core (4) for supplying a further material of greater density to form the inner layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Pedershaab Concrete Technologies A/S
    Inventor: Morten Nørgaard
  • Patent number: 8052906
    Abstract: A process for making a synthetic melt spun polyamide filament in a solid phase polycondensation apparatus is disclosed. The flow rate of the purge (make-up) gas to the apparatus is increased, and the overall pressure in the apparatus is decreased, as compared to solid phase polycondensation apparatus of the prior art. As a result, the removal of the thermal degradation impurity from the polymer flake contributes to improving the yarn quality and at the same time, extends the spinneret wipe life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Invista North America S.à.r.l.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Steele
  • Patent number: 8043551
    Abstract: A method for producing an aortic or mitral heart valve prosthesis and the resulting aortic or mitral heart valve. The method is characterized in that it essentially consists in producing the prosthesis by shaping a textile material. The invention is more particularly applicable in the field of medicine, in particular repair surgery, and especially in heart surgery, more particularly heart prostheses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignees: Universite de Haute Alsace (UHA), Les Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Universite de Strasbourg (UDS)
    Inventors: Frédéric Heim, Bernard Durand, Jean-Georges Kretz, Nabil Chakfe
  • Patent number: 8007703
    Abstract: A system for continuous casting of melt-cast products such as soaps, detergents and the like comprising: i) a substantially vertically disposable mold unit to favor solidification/casting of the melt cast composition during an upstream motion through the mold unit; ii) the mold unit operatively connected at it's lower end to a supply source of the melt-cast composition; iii) means for controlling the temperature of the melt in the mold unit to achieve the desired solidification and shaping during traverse of the melt from the bottom of the mold towards the top thereof, which is adapted to eject the formed cast product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamal Pramod Jha, Rahul Ashok Sali
  • Patent number: 7984893
    Abstract: A process can include the step of forming a removable support having a complementary contour to a machined surface of a block of material to be processed in order to support the machined surface from an opposite planar surface formed on the removable support during machining of the opposite side of the block of material. The process can include the steps of processing a block of material on a machine to form one surface; inserting a support having a complementary contour to support the one surface and an opposite planar surface; rotating the block of material onto the opposite planar surface of the support to machine the opposite side of the block of material; releasing the support along a parting line defined by the complementary contour; and reusing the support for the next block of material having the same contour configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: RCO Engineering
    Inventors: Elmer Drew, Dale Drew, Jason Benolt, Rick Dries, Gary Bisson, Michael Carollo