Patents by Inventor Andrew P. Nowak
Andrew P. Nowak 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: 11141888Abstract: An ordered, 3-dimensional, micro-scale, open-cellular truss structure including interconnected hollow polymer tubes. The hollow micro-truss structure separates two fluid volumes which can be independently pressurized or depressurized to control flow, or materials properties, or both. Applications for this invention include deployable structures, inflatable structures, flow control, and vented padding.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Christopher S. Roper, William B. Carter, Alan J. Jacobsen, Kevin J. Maloney, Robert E. Doty, Tobias A. Schaedler, Adam E. Sorensen, Andrew P. Nowak
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Publication number: 20210313088Abstract: Disclosed are conductive composites comprising a polymer, a conductor selected from metals and metal alloys, and a thickening agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Ashley M. Dustin, Andrew P. Nowak, Xin N. Guan, Adam F. Gross, Richard E. Sharp
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Patent number: 11098204Abstract: An aqueous or water-borne precursor for forming an anti-fouling heterophasic thermoset polymeric coating is provided. The precursor includes a fluorine-containing polyol precursor having a functionality greater than about 2 that forms a branched fluorine-containing polymer component defining a continuous phase in the anti-fouling heterophasic thermoset polymeric coating. The precursor also includes a fluorine-free precursor that forms a fluorine-free component present as a plurality of domains each having an average size of greater than or equal about 100 nm to less than or equal about 5,000 nm defining a discrete phase within the continuous phase in the anti-fouling heterophasic thermoset polymeric coating. A crosslinking agent and water are also present. An emulsifier may also be included. Methods of making anti-fouling heterophasic thermoset polymeric coatings with such precursors are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: April R. Rodriguez, Adam F. Gross, Ashley M. Dustin, Anthony L. Smith, Andrew P. Nowak, Kevin J. Drummey
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Patent number: 11075021Abstract: Disclosed are conductive composites comprising a polymer, a conductor selected from metals and metal alloys, and a thickening agent.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Ashley M. Dustin, Andrew P. Nowak, Xin N. Guan, Adam F. Gross, Richard E. Sharp
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Patent number: 11072713Abstract: Some variations provide an anti-fouling segmented copolymer composition comprising: (a) one or more first soft segments selected from fluoropolymers; (b) one or more second soft segments selected from polyesters or polyethers; (c) one or more isocyanate species possessing an isocyanate functionality of 2 or greater, or a reacted form thereof; (d) one or more polyol or polyamine chain extenders or crosslinkers, or a reacted form thereof; and (e) a fluid additive selectively disposed in the first soft segments or in the second soft segments. Other variations provide an anti-fouling segmented copolymer precursor composition comprising a fluid additive precursor selectively disposed in the first soft segments or in the second soft segments, wherein the fluid additive precursor includes a protecting group. The anti-fouling segmented copolymer composition may be present in an anti-ice coating, an anti-bug coating, an anti-friction coating, an energy-transfer material, or an energy-storage material, for example.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Andrew P. Nowak, April R. Rodriguez, Jason A. Graetz, Adam F. Gross
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Patent number: 11053355Abstract: Some variations provide a segmented copolymer composition comprising: fluoropolymer first soft segments that are (?,?)-hydroxyl-terminated and/or (?,?)-amine-terminated; polyester or polyether second soft segments that are (?,?)-hydroxyl-terminated and/or (?,?)-amine-terminated; isocyanate species possessing an isocyanate functionality of 2 or greater; and polyol or polyamine chain extenders or crosslinkers, wherein the molar ratio of the second soft segments to the first soft segments is less than 2.0. Exemplary segmented copolymers are disclosed. The segmented copolymer composition may be present in a low-friction, low-adhesion coating. Such a coating may be characterized by a coefficient of friction, measured at 90% relative humidity, less than 0.7. Such a coating may be characterized by an average kinetic delay of surface ice formation of at least 10 minutes at ?10° C. These coatings are useful as bugphobic and icephobic coatings.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Adam F. Gross, Andrew P. Nowak
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Patent number: 11034846Abstract: This disclosure describes incorporation of a liquid additive within one or more phases of a multiphase polymer coating. The structure of the microphase-separated network provides reservoirs for liquid in discrete and/or continuous phases. Some variations provide an anti-fouling segmented copolymer composition comprising: (a) one or more first soft segments selected from fluoropolymers; (b) one or more second soft segments selected from polyesters or polyethers; (c) one or more isocyanate species; (d) one or more polyol or polyamine chain extenders or crosslinkers; and (e) a liquid additive disposed in the first soft segments and/or the second soft segments. The first soft segments and the second soft segments are microphase-separated on a microphase-separation length scale from 0.1 microns to 500 microns. These solid/liquid hybrid materials improve physical properties associated with the coating in applications such as anti-fouling (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Andrew P. Nowak, April R. Rodriguez, Jason A. Graetz, Adam F. Gross
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Publication number: 20210155761Abstract: An organogel composition and methods for preparing the organogel composition and preparing a surface with the organogel composition are disclosed. The organogel composition can include one or more organic solvents, one or more acrylates, and one or more functional additives. The method for preparing the organogel composition can include contacting the one or more organic solvents, the one or more acrylates, and the one or more functional additives with one another to prepare the organogel composition, and homogenizing the organogel composition to modify a shear viscosity of the organogel composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2021Publication date: May 27, 2021Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Ashley M. Dustin, Andrew P. Nowak, Xin Ning Guan, Carissa A. Pajel, Darrin M. Hansen, Melinda D. Miller, Jesse R. Wiseman
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Patent number: 10982165Abstract: Disclosed are materials that possess both low adhesion and the ability to absorb water. The material passively absorbs water from the atmosphere and then expels this water upon impact with debris, to create a self-cleaning layer. The lubrication reduces friction and surface adhesion of the debris (such as an insect), which may then slide off the surface. The invention provides a material comprising a continuous matrix including a polymer having a low surface energy (less than 50 mJ/m2) and a plurality of inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a hygroscopic material. The continuous matrix and the inclusions form a lubricating surface layer in the presence of humidity. The material optionally contains porous nanostructures that inject water back onto the surface after an impact, absorbing water under pressure and then releasing water when the pressure is removed. The material may be a coating or a surface, for example.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Adam F. Gross, Andrew P. Nowak, Larken E. Cumberland
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Patent number: 10975266Abstract: In some variations, the invention provides a curable adhesive formulation comprising a curable liquid precursor capable of frontal polymerization, wherein the liquid precursor comprises a monomer and a polymerization catalyst, and frontal-polymerization-triggering susceptors in contact with, or contained within, the liquid precursor. The susceptors may include conducting and/or magnetic solid particles capable of induction heating in the presence of a remotely applied electromagnetic field. Other variations provide a polymer-curing system comprising a curable liquid precursor, frontal-polymerization-triggering susceptors, and an apparatus configured to remotely produce an alternating electromagnetic field in line-of-sight with the susceptors (but not necessarily in line-of-sight with the liquid precursor), thereby generating induction heating to initiate the frontal polymerization. The susceptors may be about 0.1 wt % to about 50 wt % of the curable formulation.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Tao Xie, Andrew P. Nowak, Thomas Boundy
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Reversible, chemically or environmentally responsive polymers, and coatings containing such polymers
Patent number: 10968355Abstract: We have demonstrated reversibly reducing metal-ion crosslinkages in polymer systems, by harnessing light, creating a dynamic and reversible bond. The reduction induces chemical and physical changes in the polymer materials. Some variations provide a polymer composition comprising: a polymer matrix containing one or more ionic species; one or more photosensitizers; and one or more metal ions capable of reversibly changing from a first oxidation state to a second oxidation state when in the presence of the photosensitizers and light. Some embodiments employ urethane-based ionomers capable of changing their crosslinked state under the influence of a change in counterion valance, using light or chemical reducing agents. This invention provides films, coatings, or objects that are reversible, re-mendable, self-healing, mechanically adjustable, and/or thermoplastic/thermoset-switchable.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Andrew P. Nowak, Adam F. Gross, April R. Rodriguez, Shanying Cui -
Patent number: 10941256Abstract: An organogel composition and methods for preparing the organogel composition and preparing a surface with the organogel composition are disclosed. The organogel composition can include one or more organic solvents, one or more acrylates, and one or more functional additives. The method for preparing the organogel composition can include contacting the one or more organic solvents, the one or more acrylates, and the one or more functional additives with one another to prepare the organogel composition, and homogenizing the organogel composition to modify a shear viscosity of the organogel composition.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Ashley M. Dustin, Andrew P. Nowak, Xin Ning Guan, Carissa A. Pajel, Darrin M. Hansen, Melinda D. Miller, Jesse R. Wiseman
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Patent number: 10932399Abstract: Examples include a method of forming an electromagnetic shielding material, the method including: applying a magnetic field to a precursor material that includes first ferromagnetic particles embedded within a first portion of a matrix material and second ferromagnetic particles embedded within a second portion of the matrix material, thereby causing the first ferromagnetic particles and the second ferromagnetic particles to move such that longitudinal axes of the first ferromagnetic particles and the second ferromagnetic particles become more aligned with the magnetic field; thereafter forcing the first portion of the matrix material through a filter, thereby moving the first ferromagnetic particles from the first portion of the matrix material into the second portion of the matrix material; and curing the second portion of the matrix material to form the electromagnetic shielding material.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Andrew P. Nowak, Adam F. Gross, April R. Rodriguez, Russell Mott, Richard E. Sharp, Ashley Dustin
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Publication number: 20210047523Abstract: Disclosed are conductive composites comprising a polymer, a conductor selected from metals and metal alloys, a compatibilizing agent, and an optional thickening agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2019Publication date: February 18, 2021Inventors: Ashley M. Dustin, Andrew P. Nowak, Xin N. Guan, Adam F. Gross, Richard E. Sharp
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Publication number: 20210017342Abstract: An organogel composition and methods for preparing the organogel composition and preparing a surface with the organogel composition are disclosed. The organogel composition can include one or more organic solvents, one or more acrylates, and one or more functional additives. The method for preparing the organogel composition can include contacting the one or more organic solvents, the one or more acrylates, and the one or more functional additives with one another to prepare the organogel composition, and homogenizing the organogel composition to modify a shear viscosity of the organogel composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2019Publication date: January 21, 2021Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Ashley M. Dustin, Andrew P. Nowak, Xin Ning Guan, Carissa A. Pajel, Darrin M. Hansen, Melinda D. Miller, Jesse R. Wiseman
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Publication number: 20210008593Abstract: Methods for forming a fluoropolymer coated component, such as a metal component, comprise applying an adhesion promoter onto a surface of the component; applying an organic material onto the adhesion promoter; and applying a mixture comprising a fluoropolymer and a solvent selected from a furan or a fluorinated solvent onto the organic material. Fluoropolymer coatings have a thickness of from about 5 mil to about 80 mil on a component, an average porosity of from about 20% to about 70% based on the total volume of the layer, and a void density of from about 1011 to about 1013 voids per cm3.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Andrew P. NOWAK, April R. RODRIGUEZ, Elena M. SHERMAN
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Patent number: 10889724Abstract: The invention provides a highly durable surface coating intended to inhibit the formation of ice at sub-0° C. temperatures as well as reduce the accumulation of dirt and insect debris to a vehicle surface upon impact. A continuous, durable matrix surrounds both low-surface-energy (low-adhesion) material inclusions as well as hygroscopic material inclusions. Some variations provide a low-friction, low-adhesion material comprising: a durable continuous matrix; a plurality of first inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a low-surface-energy polymer; and a plurality of second inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a hygroscopic material. The matrix and the first and second inclusions form a lubricating surface layer in the presence of humidity. Other variations employ a durable continuous matrix and a plurality of inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a low-surface-energy polymer surrounding a hygroscopic material.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Andrew P. Nowak, Adam F. Gross
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Patent number: 10889072Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of making a composite part. The method comprises covering a mold tool for a composite part with a parting film. The method further comprises laying up at least one layer of pre-preg on the parting film covering the mold tool to form a laid-up composite part and removing the laid-up composite part from the parting film. The parting film comprises a polymer sheet having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a first adhesive disposed on the first major surface of the polymer sheet, the first adhesive adhering the polymer sheet to the mold tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Hardik Dalal, Alain A. Adjorlolo, Adam F. Gross, Andrew P. Nowak, Brad Andrew Coxon, Kurtis Willden, Daniel M. Rotter, Stephen Lee Metschan, Berryinne Decker
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Patent number: 10883001Abstract: The invention provides a highly durable surface coating intended to inhibit the formation of ice at sub-0° C. temperatures as well as reduce the accumulation of dirt and insect debris to a vehicle surface upon impact. A continuous, durable matrix surrounds both low-surface-energy (low-adhesion) material inclusions as well as hygroscopic material inclusions. Some variations provide a low-friction, low-adhesion material comprising: a durable continuous matrix; a plurality of first inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a low-surface-energy polymer; and a plurality of second inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a hygroscopic material. The matrix and the first and second inclusions form a lubricating surface layer in the presence of humidity. Other variations employ a durable continuous matrix and a plurality of inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a low-surface-energy polymer surrounding a hygroscopic material.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Andrew P. Nowak, Adam F. Gross
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Patent number: 10876025Abstract: Some variations provide a composition comprising: a first solid material and a second solid material that are chemically distinct and microphase-separated; and at least one liquid selectively absorbed into either of the first solid material or the second solid material. The first and second solid materials are preferably present as phase-separated regions of a copolymer, such as in a segmented copolymer (e.g., a urethane-urea copolymer). The liquid may be a freezing-point depressant for water. For example, the liquid may be selected from methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or glycerol. The liquid may be a lubricant. For example, the liquid may be selected from fluorinated oils, siloxanes, petroleum-derived oils, mineral oil, or plant-derived oils. The liquid may consist of or include water. The liquid may be an electrolyte. For example, the liquid may be selected from poly(ethylene glycol), ionic liquids, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, or methyl ethyl dicarbonate.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2017Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Andrew P. Nowak, April R. Rodriguez, Jason A. Graetz, Adam F. Gross