Patents by Inventor Alexander Zaggl
Alexander Zaggl has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11787163Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to dielectric elastomeric composites that include a retainable processing membrane, an elastomer material, and an electrically conductive material. The elastomer layer may be partially imbibed into the retainable processing membrane. The retainable processing membrane may be porous. The retainable processing membrane is compacted in the transverse direction, machine direction, or in both directions prior to the application of an elastomer material and an electrically conductive material. The compaction of the retainable processing membrane may form structured folds or folded fibrils in the membrane, giving the retainable processing membrane a low modulus and flexibility. In some embodiments, the dielectric composites are positioned in a stacked configuration. Alternatively, the dielectric elastomeric composites may have a wound configuration. The dielectric composites have a total thickness less than about 170 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates GmbHInventors: Andrea Doernhoefer, Michael Rittmann, Klaus Seibert, Alexander Zaggl
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Publication number: 20230084484Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to dielectric elastomeric composites that include a retainable processing membrane, an elastomer material, and an electrically conductive material. The elastomer layer may be partially imbibed into the retainable processing membrane. The retainable processing membrane may be porous. The retainable processing membrane is compacted in the transverse direction, machine direction, or in both directions prior to the application of an elastomer material and an electrically conductive material. The compaction of the retainable processing membrane may form structured folds or folded fibrils in the membrane, giving the retainable processing membrane a low modulus and flexibility. In some embodiments, the dielectric composites are positioned in a stacked configuration. Alternatively, the dielectric elastomeric composites may have a wound configuration. The dielectric composites have a total thickness less than about 170 µm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2022Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: Andrea Doernhoefer, Michael Rittmann, Klaus Seibert, Alexander Zaggl
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Publication number: 20220279876Abstract: A method for manufacturing a water vapor permeable glove or a glove lining. The method includes steps: (A) preparing a functional layer assembly in the shape of a hand having a hand insertion opening and having a flat configuration, the flat functional layer assembly being stretchable in at least one direction, (B) subjecting the flat functional layer assembly to a stretching force and thereby transforming the flat configuration into a three-dimensional structure under the influence of the stretching force, (C) applying heat to the functional layer assembly while the functional layer assembly is subject to the stretching force, thereby relaxing the functional layer assembly and transforming the three-dimensional structure of the functional layer assembly into a stable three-dimensional structure, and (D) removing the stretching force from the functional layer assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2022Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: Alexander Zaggl, Holger Zoudlik
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Publication number: 20220001602Abstract: An additive manufacturing process is provided to produce integral 3-dimensional (3D) articles by laminating together a plurality of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes. The process includes repetitive cycles of ePTFE membrane lamination paired with laser cutting/bonding to produce a desired geometry based on a predefined pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2021Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Lawrence A. Ford, Alexander Zaggl
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Patent number: 11097527Abstract: A process for the formation of an assembly comprising a structured or compacted porous film (c) comprising a) application of a porous film (d) onto an elastic substrate (a) in a stretched state such that a reversible adhesion of the film on the stretched substrate (a) occurs, and b) relaxing the substrate (a) with the applied film thereon to obtain a structured or compacted porous film (c), c) applying a support material (e) to a part of the structured or compacted film (c) so that the structured or compacted film to which no support material (e) is attached is releasable.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2016Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates GMBHInventors: Alexander Zaggl, Michael Rittmann
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Patent number: 11092253Abstract: A check valve (1) for a through hole in a compartment wall (100) comprises an elastic membrane (20) covering an open end (16) of a flow passage (14), a base (11) to which the elastic membrane (20) is fixed, and a protector (30) covering at least a portion of the elastic membrane (20), wherein the elastic membrane is fixed to the base in a state where it is elastically stretched over and forced against a sealing surface (17) surrounding the open end (16) so as to seal the flow passage (14). The elastic membrane lifts from the sealing surface when the pressure in the flow passage is high. The elastic membrane may be air- or gas-permeable and, preferably, waterproof so as to impart a low pressure venting functionality to the check valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates GmbHInventors: Alexander Zaggl, Michael Rittmann
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Publication number: 20200146390Abstract: Footwear (2) includes an upper assembly (4) having an outer construction (40, 42) and further having a bootie (50) made with a waterproof, breathable laminate, the waterproof, breathable laminate (51) including a one-piece functional layer (54) and at least one textile layer (56, 58), and a sole (6) attached to the upper assembly, wherein the bootie has elasticity in a circumferential direction of the bootie, wherein the bootie is fixed in position in a toe region (90) of the footwear and fixed in position in a heel region (96) of the footwear, and wherein the bootie is not attached to the outer construction on an upper side of a midfoot portion (92) of the bootie.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2017Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Jens Heidenfelder, Amr Mahmoud Hamdy Kobaisy Ali, Alexander Zaggl, Andrea Giupponi
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Publication number: 20200094540Abstract: A process for the formation of an assembly comprising a structured or compacted porous film (c) comprising a) application of a porous film (d) onto an elastic substrate (a) in a stretched state such that a reversible adhesion of the film on the stretched substrate (a) occurs, and b) relaxing the substrate (a) with the applied film thereon to obtain a structured or compacted porous film (c), c) applying a support material (e) to a part of the structured or compacted film (c) so that the structured or compacted film to which no support material (e) is attached is releasable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2016Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventors: Alexander Zaggl, Michael Rittmann
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Publication number: 20190335848Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The bootie is conformable over a range of sizes and shoe shapes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of asymmetrical shoe lasts. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. Such a conformable bootie eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the ePTFE is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernick, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
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Publication number: 20190313716Abstract: A method for manufacturing a water vapor permeable glove or a glove lining. The method includes steps: (A) preparing a functional layer assembly in the shape of a hand having a hand insertion opening and having a flat configuration, the flat functional layer assembly being stretchable in at least one direction, (B) subjecting the flat functional layer assembly to a stretching force and thereby transforming the flat configuration into a three-dimensional structure under the influence of the stretching force, (C) applying heat to the functional layer assembly while the functional layer assembly is subject to the stretching force, thereby relaxing the functional layer assembly and transforming the three-dimensional structure of the functional layer assembly into a stable three-dimensional structure, and (D) removing the stretching force from the functional layer assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2016Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Alexander Zaggl, Holger Zoudlik
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Publication number: 20190178401Abstract: A check valve (1) for a through hole in a compartment wall (100) comprises an elastic membrane (20) covering an open end (16) of a flow passage (14), a base (11) to which the elastic membrane (20) is fixed, and a protector (30) covering at least a portion of the elastic membrane (20), wherein the elastic membrane is fixed to the base in a state where it is elastically stretched over and forced against a sealing surface (17) surrounding the open end (16) so as to seal the flow passage (14). The elastic membrane lifts from the sealing surface when the pressure in the flow passage is high. The elastic membrane may be air- or gas-permeable and, preferably, waterproof so as to impart a low pressure venting functionality to the check valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2017Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Alexander ZAGGL, Michael RITTMANN
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Publication number: 20180333946Abstract: A display device which includes an electronic paper display additionally comprises power harvesting hardware and display update hardware which is configured to control the updating of the electronic paper display based on a sensed power harvesting level which may, in various embodiments, be a current incoming power level as generated by the power harvesting hardware or a stored power level in a power storage device within the display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2016Publication date: November 22, 2018Inventors: Alexander Zaggl, Michael Rittmann
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Patent number: 10113097Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for the production of a thermally conductive article that includes (1) pleating a thermally anisotropic sheet having a thermal conductivity in a first plane that is higher than the thermal conductivity in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane and (2) compacting the pleated structure. An article obtained by the process, the use of the thermally conductive article for production of a device, and the device are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignees: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W.L. Gore & Associates GmbHInventors: Alexander Zaggl, Holger Zoudlik, Michael Wendlandt, Michael Adam Hall
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Patent number: 10005258Abstract: A layered structure that includes at least a first layer and a second layer is provided. The second layer includes at least one barrier layer. A bonding substance is partially disposed between the barrier layer and the first layer to create a bond between the barrier layer and the first layer. The bonding substance contains a first component that has, at 25° C., a shear modulus of not more than 3×105 Pa in accordance with the Dahlquist criterion. The bonding substance may also contain a second component having adhesive characteristics. The first component also has a low viscosity such that a force (F) between the first and second layers which acts on at least one of the layers in a force action area is distributed by a plastic flow onto an area which is larger than the force action area.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates GmbHInventors: Alexander Zaggl, Helmut Klug, Holger Zoudlik
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Publication number: 20180098600Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The bootie is conformable over a range of sizes and shoe shapes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of asymmetrical shoe lasts. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. Such a conformable bootie eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the ePTFE is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernick, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
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Publication number: 20180042334Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The bootie is conformable over a range of sizes and shoe shapes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of asymmetrical shoe lasts. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. Such a conformable bootie eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the ePTFE is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernick, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
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Patent number: 9849629Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the formation of a structured film, a structured film as such, an article comprising the structured film, a device for the continuous formation of such a structured film and a composite comprising the structured film.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Alexander Zaggl, Bernadette Heller, Andre Hartmann
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Publication number: 20170292053Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a thermally conductive article comprising pleating a thermally anisotropic sheet having a thermal conductivity in plain which is higher than the thermal conductivity perpendicular to the plain, and compacting the pleated structure, to an article obtainable by said process, to the use of said thermally conductive article for production of a device, and to such a device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Alexander Zaggl, Holger Zoudlik, Michael Wendlandt, Michael Adam Hall
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Publication number: 20170042280Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts may include a laminate comprising a seamless extensible film, such as a polyurethane film, and at least one textile. The bootie is suitable for a range of sizes and shoe shapes. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. A bootie having a seamless extensible film eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the polyurethane film is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernik, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
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Publication number: 20150230550Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The bootie is conformable over a range of sizes and shoe shapes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of asymmetrical shoe lasts. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. Such a conformable bootie eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the ePTFE is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2014Publication date: August 20, 2015Applicants: W. L. Gore & Associates, GmbH, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernick, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl