Patents Examined by Vicki Wu
  • Patent number: 8696853
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a plastic-based cellular structure, in which parallel lamellae are continuously extruded through a die having a plurality of parallel slots and upon exiting the die spaces lying between two adjacent lamellae are subjected, in successive alternations and between two sizing units whose length is short enough for the plastic composition to remain molten, to an injection of compressed gas and to a vacuum, the two sides of a given lamella being, in respect of one of them, subjected to the action of the compressed gas and, in respect of the other of them, subjected to the action of the vacuum, and vice versa during the next alternation, so as to deform the lamellae and weld them together in pairs, with formation, in a plane approximately parallel to the extrusion direction, of a cellular structure whose constituent cells extend perpendicular to the extrusion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Solvay SA
    Inventors: Claude Dehennau, Dominique Grandjean, Paul Henrard
  • Patent number: 8685191
    Abstract: A thermal transfer film at least including a substrate, a semi-cured protection layer, and an ink layer is provided. The semi-cured protection layer is coated on the substrate, and a material of the semi-cured protection layer includes thermal curing resin and radiation curing resin. Moreover, the resin of the semi-cured protection layer is at least partially cured. The ink layer is coated on the semi-cured protection layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Liu, Ru-Jen Chiu, Bar-Long Denq, Hung-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 8685194
    Abstract: A method of making a laminated touch fastener includes introducing a flexible substrate to a resin applicator, applying flowable resin to a limited region of a surface of the substrate, and molding the applied resin to form a plurality of defined structures extending from a layer of the applied resin. The substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, has a surface characteristic that varies across the surface. The surface includes both a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the surface characteristic varying to a greater degree within the second region than within the first region. The flowable resin may be applied within the first region such that an edge of the resin layer is disposed within, and adjacent an exposed portion of, the first region of the substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: James T. Grady, Peter Iannazzi, Thomas O Brien, Clinton Dowd, Andrew Collins
  • Patent number: 8685193
    Abstract: An expansion band includes a first layer, a second layer, a shrinking layer for shrinking said first layer and said second layer, a bond line for sealing said first layer and said second layer to form an inner space therein and dividing said inner space into a plurality of air passages which can communicate with each other, a plurality of air passages formed between said first layer and said second layer, and an air nozzle communicate with said air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Jiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8679278
    Abstract: Method for continuously producing multi-layered composite bodies A process for continuous production of multilayered composite articles which comprise (A) at least one backing material, (B) least one bonding layer, and (C) at least one polyurethane layer which includes capillaries which pass through the entire thickness of the polyurethane layer, comprises using a mold to produce polyurethane layer (C) and fixing said polyurethane layer (C) on said backing material (A) with the aid of a material which converts to said bonding layer (B), the mold having a temperature in the range from 80 to 170° C and a heat capacity in the range from 100 to 20 000 J/K·m2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Carl Jokisch, Juergen Weiser
  • Patent number: 8679279
    Abstract: Methods for creating a foam-like texture on an implantable material are provided. More particularly, methods for creating foam-like texture on implantable silicone materials are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan M. Thompson, Alexei Goraltchouk, Kevin A. Ma
  • Patent number: 8673102
    Abstract: A method of thermoforming an inflatable structure of dissimilar materials includes the steps of providing a first sheet formed of a first material and a second sheet formed of a second material different than the first material, the second sheet being spaced from the first sheet, and a valve being positioned between the first and second sheets; heating the first and second sheets to a temperature above their glass transition temperature and below their melting point; bonding the first and second sheets together in a mold having an opposed pair of cavities to form an inflatable structure having a seal around a periphery thereof, the valve extending through the seal and being in fluid communication with an interior and exterior of the inflatable structure; and trimming excess material from the periphery of the inflatable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kemery, Tobin N. Guild, Zvi Rapaport
  • Patent number: 8673103
    Abstract: A fabricating method for an armor panel uses a template to position tiles on an adhesive surface. The template includes an L-shaped frame and cells having precise wall thickness. Tiles are fitted in the cells against the surface. The template is repeatedly repositioned so new tiles can be fitted into unoccupied cells to form a desired tile array. A border is placed around the array, forming a cavity. Resin is poured into the cavity. A back plate placed over the array presses against the resin. Excess resin exits the cavity through an interface between the border and the adhesive surface and through a gap between the back plate and border. After the resin cures the border is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Vladimir Gendlin, Douglas A. Stanczak, Donald T. Ostberg
  • Patent number: 8663419
    Abstract: A method of using a assembly facilitator for a pulp-molded shell with polymer liner containing systems to precisely create a integral pulp molded shell is disclosed along with the assembly facilitator itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ecologic
    Inventors: Julie Corbett, Romeo Graham, Robert Watters, Michael Sirois
  • Patent number: 8657983
    Abstract: The disclosed pre-lamination core and the method of making such a pre-lamination core includes an electronic component or a non-electronic component, a bottom cover sheet, a top cover sheet, and a layer of thermosetting material between the bottom and top cover sheets. The pre-lamination core can be used in the manufacture of cards while using conventional equipment to apply top and bottom overlays to the pre-lamination core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Innovatier, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Singleton
  • Patent number: 8657984
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a grid-stiffened panel which incorporates a network of fluid channels and passageways into the ribs and face sheet is described. The method is comprised of a base tooling assembly, an expansion tooling assembly, a composite prepreg, plugs, a face sheet and a network of valves and pumps, wherein the prepreg is draped over said expansion tooling and assembled with the base tooling assembly to form a rib structure. Channel plugs are placed therein such that gaps between adjacent expansion tooling blocks are filled, and the entire rib structure assembly is autoclaved. The face sheet may be comprised of a plurality of layers, whereby channels are machined into the lower layer(s). The upper layer(s) are bonded to the lower layer(s) to seal the channels, and said face sheet is bonded to the rib structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Andrew D. Williams, Richard Lee Underwood, Jr., Greg Thomas Busch
  • Patent number: 8656932
    Abstract: A smokeless cigarette for e.g. anti-smoke purposes includes a part that can deliver or distribute nicotine to the skin of a user. The cigarette includes a mouthpiece part having an inner porous body permeable to air, designed substantially as a filter of a filter cigarette. The front part that corresponds to the tobacco part of a filter cigarette can be made to include an inner portion of for example an air permeable material impregnated with a fragrant or refreshing substance. The inner bodies are secured to each other by and surrounded by a surface layer of a material that in a region in the mouthpiece part is impregnated with nicotine. The surface layer can have perforations in its area adjacent to the front part in the case where the inner portion of the front part of the cigarette is not permeable to air. Before use, the whole cigarette is enclosed by a thin protective film that has to be removed before use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Mahmood Valadi
  • Patent number: 8657990
    Abstract: Carbon nanotube interlayer assemblies, methods of manufacturing carbon nanotube interlayer assemblies, and methods of manufacturing composite parts with carbon nanotube interlayer assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a composite structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes producing a plurality of carbon nanotubes on one or both sides of a substrate, and attaching the substrate to a first fiber layer. The method can further include positioning a second fiber layer adjacent to the first fiber layer to position the plurality of carbon nanotubes between the first and second fiber layers. The method can additionally include infusing the first and second fiber layers with resin, and curing the resin. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotube substrate can be attached to the first fiber layer by melt-bonding. In another embodiment, the carbon nanotube substrate can be attached to the first fiber layer with stitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas K. Tsotsis
  • Patent number: 8652286
    Abstract: A stretchable appliqué made from a stretchable substrate with indicia thereon may be applied to a variety of articles including stretchable performance athletic wear. A method for making the stretchable appliqué may include applying an adhesive and a carrier layer to one surface of a stretchable substrate. Indicia may then be applied to the opposite surface of the stretchable fabric and the stretchable substrate may be cut to a desired shape to form the stretchable appliqué. The carrier layer may then be removed and the stretchable appliqué may be adhered to the desired article. The stretchable appliqué may be adhered to stretchable articles of apparel so that the appliqué may stretch when the article of apparel stretches. The carrier layer may be less stretchable than the stretchable substrate, including being completely non-stretchable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Reebok International Limited
    Inventors: Hongqing Shen, Anna E. Newton, Paul E. Litchfield, William McInnis
  • Patent number: 8652285
    Abstract: A method for producing baseballs and softballs, whereby a spherical core is independently formed and then a fiber material layer is attached, this fiber material layer is evenly brushed with a layer of polyurethane (PU), and this spherical core is placed in a ball cover mold made up of two or more mold pieces, and then heated, and finally the mold is removed to reveal the complete ball. Utilizing the production tool of this invention to produce the baseballs and softballs, whereby PU is brushed onto, and penetrates into the fiber material layer on the independently formed spherical core, resulting in the ball cover forming, the ball cover and spherical core attaches and fits firmly, and the porous construction of this fiber material layer attracts air, and therefore greatly avoids bubbles forming when the outer cover is formed, which affects the quality and lifespan of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Shyi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8647460
    Abstract: Provided is a shoe having a bottom surface that is adjacent to the ground in normal use. A sole, which is sufficiently durable and/or strong for long-term outdoor use, forms at least a portion of the bottom surface, and an upper portion extends above the sole. A plurality of small material particles are bonded to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Dynasty Footwear, Ltd.
    Inventor: John C. S. Koo
  • Patent number: 8647461
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing multilayer foam where easy generation of dead air and improvement in foam magnification is offered. Multilayer resin that has non-foam layer outside foam layer is pushed out, the innermost side of the multilayer resin is bonded mutually, and multilayer resin laminating body is formed. Multilayer resin laminating body is clamped in the empty space between outermost side of multilayer resin laminating body and cavity side with metal mold. Multilayer resin laminating body is molded in the shape along cavity side, and the multilayer foam is molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kyoraku Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu Igarashi, Takehiko Sumi, Masaaki Onodera, Yoshinori Ohno, Naoya Kanou
  • Patent number: 8641850
    Abstract: A polymer material system that consists of multiple layers of polymers of different transition temperatures in a multilayer construction to achieve and tailor a multiple shape memory effect. Wherein two material layers of different transition temperatures are utilized, a triple shape memory effect is achieved. In alternative embodiments, a triple shape memory effect may be achieved wherein each of the two layers are transformable using different external stimulus such as heat, light, magnetism, or moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Tao Xie
  • Patent number: 8628719
    Abstract: In a blown film extrusion plant comprising a blow head and an air cooling ring, between the blow head and the air cooling ring at least one cooling device should be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Friedrich Ohlendorf
  • Patent number: 8628635
    Abstract: A process for producing a panel for acoustic treatment including a resistive porous layer, an alveolar structure, a reflective layer with openings, and a drainage plate having a furrow for delimiting at least one evacuation pipe when the drainage plate is flattened against the free surface of the reflective layer, includes: shaping the reflective layer according to its final geometry, affixing a demolding film on at least one portion of the free surface of the reflective layer, positioning on the demolding film a core whose cross-section is adapted to that of the evacuation pipe so that the core covers the openings of the reflective layer, molding the drainage plate on the demolding film and the core, demolding the drainage plate and removing the core and the demolding film, and making the drainage plate integral with the free surface of the reflective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Frederic Chelin, Christophe Menier, Jean Yves Thomy, Etienne Bertin, Thierry Surply, Dominique Haro, Fabrice Gantie