Patents by Inventor Andrew J. Melville

Andrew J. Melville 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).

  • Patent number: 9205454
    Abstract: A method for applying an additive, e.g. a fluoropolymer, to cellulose. The method comprises a number of steps. First, solid cellulose, a solvent capable of dissolving cellulose, e.g. NMMO and a dispersion of the additive are brought into contact with each other. The additive is allowed to diffuse into the dissolved cellulose, which is possible as a result of the dissolution of the surface layer of the solid cellulose. The solubility of cellulose in the solvent is then reduced, whereby the additive that has diffused into the dissolved cellulose is incorporated into the resulting solid cellulose. A method for applying a fluoropolymer to cellulose as a surface coat is also described. Flexible bearing components comprising a mat of cellulose fibers and a fluoropolymer which may be made by the methods described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: WHITFORD LTD.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Melville, David J. Topping, David P. Willis
  • Publication number: 20140147690
    Abstract: A method for applying an additive, e.g. a fluoropolymer, to cellulose. The method comprises a number of steps. First, solid cellulose, a solvent capable of dissolving cellulose, e.g. NMMO and a dispersion of the additive are brought into contact with each other. The additive is allowed to diffuse into the dissolved cellulose, which is possible as a result of the dissolution of the surface layer of the solid cellulose. The solubility of cellulose in the solvent is then reduced, whereby the additive that has diffused into the dissolved cellulose is incorporated into the resulting solid cellulose. A method for applying a fluoropolymer to cellulose as a surface coat is also described. Flexible bearing components comprising a mat of cellulose fibres and a fluoropolymer which may be made by the methods described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Whitford LTD
    Inventors: Andrew J. Melville, David J. Topping, David P. Willis
  • Patent number: 8703668
    Abstract: A method for applying an additive, e.g. a fluoropolymer, to cellulose. The method comprises a number of steps. First, solid cellulose, a solvent capable of dissolving cellulose, e.g. NMMO and a dispersion of the additive are brought into contact with each other. The additive is allowed to diffuse into the dissolved cellulose, which is possible as a result of the dissolution of the surface layer of the solid cellulose. The solubility of cellulose in the solvent is then reduced, whereby the additive that has diffused into the dissolved cellulose is incorporated into the resulting solid cellulose. A method for applying a fluoropolymer to cellulose as a surface coat is also described. Flexible bearing components comprising a mat of cellulose fibers and a fluoropolymer which may be made by the methods described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Whitford Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Melville, David J. Topping, David P. Willis
  • Patent number: 8053549
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a modified fluoropolymer powdered material is disclosed. A suspension of solid fluoropolymer particles together with PTFE particles in an aqueous carrier, is frozen and the frozen carrier is then removed by sublimation at sub-atmospheric pressure to produce a dry powder of modified fluoropolymer particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Whitford Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Melville, Leonard W. Harvey, Joel Ginies, Michael Coates, Julie K. Wright
  • Publication number: 20110224350
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a modified fluoropolymer powdered material is disclosed. A suspension of solid fluoropolymer particles together with SiC particles in an aqueous carrier, is frozen and the frozen carrier is then removed by sublimation at sub-atmospheric pressure to produce a dry powder of modified fluoropolymer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: WHITFORD PLASTICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Robert I. Whitlow, Joel Ginies, Julie K. Wright, Andrew J. Melville, Leonard W. Harvey
  • Publication number: 20100204440
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a modified fluoropolymer powdered material is disclosed. A suspension of solid fluoropolymer particles together with PTFE particles in an aqueous carrier, is frozen and the frozen carrier is then removed by sublimation at sub-atmospheric pressure to produce a dry powder of modified fluoropolymer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: WHITFORD PLASTICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew J. Melville, Leonard W. Harvey, Joel Gines, Michael Coates, Julie K. Wright
  • Publication number: 20100086246
    Abstract: A method for applying an additive, e.g. a fluoropolymer, to cellulose. The method comprises a number of steps. First, solid cellulose, a solvent capable of dissolving cellulose, e.g. NMMO and a dispersion of the additive are brought into contact with each other. The additive is allowed to diffuse into the dissolved cellulose, which is possible as a result of the dissolution of the surface layer of the solid cellulose. The solubility of cellulose in the solvent is then reduced, whereby the additive that has diffused into the dissolved cellulose is incorporated into the resulting solid cellulose. A method for applying a fluoropolymer to cellulose as a surface coat is also described. Flexible bearing components comprising a mat of cellulose fibres and a fluoropolymer which may be made by the methods described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: WHITFORD LTD.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Melville, David J. Topping, David P. Willis