Patents by Inventor Andy Hollis
Andy Hollis 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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Publication number: 20230398421Abstract: A mobile molding system, comprising a vehicle and one or more molds arranged on the vehicle configured for receiving one or more expandable nonwoven substrates, heating said one or more expandable nonwoven substrates so as to cause said one or more expandable nonwoven substrates to expand and fill the one or more molds with one or more expanded nonwoven containing articles of three dimensional shape, and releasing said one or more expanded nonwoven containing articles of three dimensional shape from the one or more molds is provided. Methods for manufacturing three dimensional objects using the mobile molding system are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Andrea PIANA, Michael Stephen DEFRANKS, Eric MCCANN, Andy HOLLIS, Sang-hoon LIM, Mehran JAFARI
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Publication number: 20230398749Abstract: A three-dimensional component is produced in a simplified molding operation. Expandable substrates, which are referred to as blanks, are created by compressing thermobonded nonwovens after heating the binder material above its melting temperature, and then cooling the compressed nonwovens so that the binder material hardens and holds the fibers of the nonwoven together in a compressed configuration with stored kinetic energy. Boards can be formed by laminating two or more blanks together and/or by laminating the blanks with other materials, including non-expendable materials. A mold for the component to be manufactured can be partially filled with a number of boards (or blanks) in a stacked, vertically, adjacent or even random orientation. In addition, the boards or blanks may be cut to create desired shapes of parts that can be placed in the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Andy HOLLIS, Michael Stephen DEFRANKS, Eric MCCANN, Mehran JAFARI, Helias ANDRIESSEN, Sang-hoon LIM, Andrea PIANA, Alfio BORGATTI
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Patent number: 11780177Abstract: A three-dimensional component is produced in a simplified molding operation. Expandable substrates, which are referred to as blanks, are created by compressing thermobonded nonwovens after heating the binder material above its melting temperature, and then cooling the compressed nonwovens so that the binder material hardens and holds the fibers of the nonwoven together in a compressed configuration with stored kinetic energy. Boards can be formed by laminating two or more blanks together and/or by laminating the blanks with other materials, including non-expendable materials. A mold for the component to be manufactured can be partially filled with a number of boards (or blanks) in a stacked, vertically, adjacent or even random orientation. In addition, the boards or blanks may be cut to create desired shapes of parts that can be placed in the mold.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2020Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: PIANA NONWOVENS, LLCInventors: Andy Hollis, Michael Stephen Defranks, Eric McCann, Mehran Jafari, Helias Andriessen, Sang-hoon Lim, Andrea Piana, Alfio Borgatti
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Patent number: 11771971Abstract: A mobile molding system, comprising a vehicle and one or more molds arranged on the vehicle configured for receiving one or more expandable nonwoven substrates, heating said one or more expandable nonwoven substrates so as to cause said one or more expandable nonwoven substrates to expand and fill the one or more molds with one or more expanded nonwoven containing articles of three dimensional shape, and releasing said one or more expanded nonwoven containing articles of three dimensional shape from the one or more molds is provided. Methods for manufacturing three dimensional objects using the mobile molding system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: PIANA NONWOVENSInventors: Andrea Piana, Michael Stephen DeFranks, Eric McCann, Andy Hollis, Sang-hoon Lim, Helias Andriessen, Mehran Jafari
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Patent number: 11684121Abstract: Footwear with vertically lapped nonwoven layers in upper and sole structures for enhanced breathability and moisture wicking is disclosed. Exemplary vertically lapped nonwoven dual layers comprise one or more hydrophobic layers and one or more hydrophilic layers that are adhered to each other by a plurality of methods and are further integrated into the inside of the upper and sole of the footwear so that the hydrophilic layer is in direct contact with the feet. The hydrophilic part of the dual layer wicks sweat or bodily fluid from the wearer into the nonwoven and transports the moisture to the hydrophobic layer for fast evaporation, thus keeping the feet dry. The nonwoven footwear is environmentally friendly as the nonwoven layers can be made of recycled materials and may be fully recyclable.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Piana Nonwovens, LLC.Inventors: Andy Hollis, Michael Stephen DeFranks, Eric McCann, Andrea Piana
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Publication number: 20230104609Abstract: Provided are a diagnostic system and methods for detecting the presence or absence of one or more targets that represent virus infection, inflammatory diseases and/or respiratory disorders by optically and noninvasively observing changing in color of the diagnostic system upon binding of the antigen of interest. Exemplary diagnostic systems and methods include detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus S protein or receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) for diagnosis of COVID-19 infection or inflammatory/respiratory diseases.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: Andrea Piana, Michael Stephen DeFranks, Sang-hoon Lim, Andy Hollis, Matteo Cocuzza, Valentina Sinisi, Andrea Zappettini, Natalia Malara, Marialaura Coluccio
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Patent number: 11554699Abstract: A cushion having a fibrous foam architecture. The cushion has a trim cover and a number of fibrous layers attached to the trim cover. One or more structural properties of a fibrous layer can be controlled to differ from that of other layers.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignees: Tesla, Inc., PIANA NONWOVENS. LLCInventors: Forrest Wen Liau, Stefan Kuzmanovski, Jorge C. Fialho, Andrea Piana, Eric McCann, Mehran Jafari, Andy Hollis, Helias Andriessen
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Publication number: 20220363018Abstract: Expandable substrates, which are referred to as blanks, are created by compressing thermobonded nonwovens after heating the binder material above its melting temperature, and then cooling the compressed nonwovens so that the binder material hardens and holds the fibers of the nonwoven together in a compressed configuration with stored kinetic energy. A mold for the component to be manufactured can be partially filled with a number of boards (or blanks) in a stacked, vertically, adjacent or even random orientation. Upon application of heat to the boards or blanks or parts in the mold, the binder material is melted so as to allow the nonwoven material to expand in one or more directions, and thereby fill all or part of the mold. Upon cooling, the binder material again hardens, and the molded component is retrieved from the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Andrea Piana, Andy Hollis, Mehran Jafari, Helias Andriessen, Sang-hoon Lim, Eric McCann
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Publication number: 20220339888Abstract: A three-dimensional component is produced in a simplified molding operation. Expandable substrates, which are referred to as blanks, are created by compressing thermobonded nonwovens after heating the binder material above its melting temperature, and then cooling the compressed nonwovens so that the binder material hardens and holds the fibers of the nonwoven together in a compressed configuration with stored kinetic energy. Boards can be formed by laminating two or more blanks together and/or by laminating the blanks with other materials, including non-expendable materials. A mold for the component to be manufactured can be partially filled with a number of boards (or blanks) in a stacked, vertically, adjacent or even random orientation. In addition, the boards or blanks may be cut to create desired shapes of parts that can be placed in the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2020Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Andy HOLLIS, Michael Stephen DEFRANKS, Eric MCCANN, Mehran JAFARI, Helias ANDRIESSEN, Sang-hoon LIM, Andrea PIANA, Alfio BORGATTI
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Patent number: 11472132Abstract: Expandable substrates, which are referred to as blanks, are created by compressing thermobonded nonwovens after heating the binder material above its melting temperature, and then cooling the compressed nonwovens so that the binder material hardens and holds the fibers of the nonwoven together in a compressed configuration with stored kinetic energy. A mold for the component to be manufactured can be partially filled with a number of boards (or blanks) in a stacked, vertically, adjacent or even random orientation. Upon application of heat to the boards or blanks or parts in the mold, the binder material is melted so as to allow the nonwoven material to expand in one or more directions, and thereby fill all or part of the mold. Upon cooling, the binder material again hardens, and the molded component is retrieved from the mold.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Inventors: Andrea Piana, Andy Hollis, Mehran Jafari, Helias Andriessen, Sang-hoon Lim, Eric McCann
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Publication number: 20220184874Abstract: In an example method, a NWM molding blank, including a non-woven material held in compression by a binder, is placed in a separable mold, and heated to a melting temperature of the binder. The molding blank expands, forming as an intermediate NWM object a NWM molded object with a 3D geometric form. The intermediate NWM object is cooled through a temperature band with an upper boundary and a lower boundary, and further cooled to a solidifying temperature of the binder. The upper boundary is above the solidifying temperature and the upper boundary is lower than the binder melting temperature. While in the temperature band, the mold is separated, rendering accessible an exposed surface of the intermediate NWM object. The object is then transported to a contoured forming surface of a forming base, by an actuatable arm having an end effector gripping the exposed surface via vacuum suction, lifting the object from the mold and placing the object on the contoured forming surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2021Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventors: Michael Stephen DeFranks, Eric McCann, Andy Hollis
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Publication number: 20220098770Abstract: A cushion or pad device is provided. The device comprises at least one layer of nonwoven material defining a volume with length, width, and depth dimensions, wherein the vertically lapped nonwoven material comprises at least one bulk fiber, wherein the bulk fiber comprises a thermoplastic polyester; and at least one elastomeric binder fiber. Methods of preparing the cushion or pad device are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: Mehran Jafari, Sang-hoon Lim, Andy Hollis, Andrea Piana, Eric McCann, Helias Andriessen
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Patent number: 11186063Abstract: A fibrous nonwoven material which is vertically lapped in its entirety or which includes one or more lapped regions which include vertically lapped fibers provides for padding to be applied to a substrate (e.g., an article of interest such as a handle for sporting equipment or tool, or on the inside of a motorcycle or bicycle helmet, etc.). The skin contacting surface of the nonwoven has regions which are relatively thicker than other regions, and air, sweat, and the like are allowed to easily pass through these regions for cooling, wicking of fluid and enhanced breathability. The lapped nonwoven includes a backing material which helps define the pad shape and which permits securing to a substrate. A hook and loop fastener may be affixed to the lapped nonwoven at the backing material so as to allow retrieval and replacement of the nonwoven on the substrate. An acquisition layer on the surface can be used on the surface of the nonwoven, and a carded consolidated web may be positioned within the nonwoven.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: PIANA NONWOVENSInventors: Andrea Piana, Mehran Jafari, Eric McCann, Sam Lim, Andy Hollis, Helias Andriessen
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Publication number: 20210360928Abstract: Provided are antimicrobial nonwovens comprising antimicrobial chemical treated fibers and untreated binder fibers. 0.0003-0.1 wt. % of one or more silver containing antimicrobial chemicals are used in nonwovens to provide an excellent antimicrobial/antiviral property. Exemplary applications and methods of manufacturing antimicrobial products such as a facial covering, a mattress cover, a surface cover and an air filter are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Andrea Piana, Michael Stephen DeFranks, Eric McCann, Andy Hollis, Sang-hoon Lim, Helias Andriessen, Mehran Jafari
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Publication number: 20210282500Abstract: Footwear with vertically lapped nonwoven layers in upper and sole structures for enhanced breathability and moisture wicking is disclosed. Exemplary vertically lapped nonwoven dual layers comprise one or more hydrophobic layers and one or more hydrophilic layers that are adhered to each other by a plurality of methods and are further integrated into the inside of the upper and sole of the footwear so that the hydrophilic layer is in direct contact with the feet. The hydrophilic part of the dual layer wicks sweat or bodily fluid from the wearer into the nonwoven and transports the moisture to the hydrophobic layer for fast evaporation, thus keeping the feet dry. The nonwoven footwear is environmentally friendly as the nonwoven layers can be made of recycled materials and may be fully recyclable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Andy Hollis, Michael Stephen DeFranks, Eric McCann, Andrea Piana
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Publication number: 20210244569Abstract: Provided are vertically lapped nonwoven layers in eyewear with the effect of reducing condensation and moisture buildup near the face of the wearer while simultaneously improving antifogging and comfort in wearing the eyewear. Exemplary vertically lapped nonwoven dual layers comprise one or more hydrophobic layers and one or more hydrophilic layers that are adhered to each other by a plurality of methods and are further integrated into the frame of the eyewear so that the hydrophilic layer is in direct contact with the wearer's face. The hydrophilic part of the dual layer wicks sweat or bodily fluid from the wearer into the nonwoven and transports the moisture to the hydrophobic layer for fast evaporation, thus eliminating the tendency to develop fogging while keeping the skin dry. The nonwoven dual layer is environmentally friendly as the layers can be made of recycled materials and may be fully recyclable.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2021Publication date: August 12, 2021Inventors: Andy Hollis, Michael Stephen DeFranks
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Publication number: 20210175402Abstract: A thermoelectric device suitable for power generation by the Seebeck effect or heating and cooling by the Peltier effect includes a flexible thermoelectric layer with a flexible heatsink layer. A thermally conductive layer can optionally be included on the side of the thermoelectric layer opposite the flexible heatsink layer. Because of its flexibility and durability, the thermoelectric device can be utilized for products such as a thermoelectric generator or cooling/heating system for consumer products, such as a bedding, clothing, hats, seat cushions, and personal portable devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2019Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: Jaeyoo Choi, Sang-hoon Lim, Jeffrey J. Urban, Andy Hollis, Andrea Piana
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Publication number: 20200338876Abstract: A mobile molding system, comprising a vehicle and one or more molds arranged on the vehicle configured for receiving one or more expandable nonwoven substrates, heating said one or more expandable nonwoven substrates so as to cause said one or more expandable nonwoven substrates to expand and fill the one or more molds with one or more expanded nonwoven containing articles of three dimensional shape, and releasing said one or more expanded nonwoven containing articles of three dimensional shape from the one or more molds is provided. Methods for manufacturing three dimensional objects using the mobile molding system are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Andrea Piana, Michael Stephen DeFranks, Eric McCann, Andy Hollis, Sang-hoon Lim, Helias Andriessen, Mehran Jafari
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Publication number: 20200298506Abstract: Expandable substrates, which are referred to as blanks, are created by compressing thermobonded nonwovens after heating the binder material above its melting temperature, and then cooling the compressed nonwovens so that the binder material hardens and holds the fibers of the nonwoven together in a compressed configuration with stored kinetic energy. A mold for the component to be manufactured can be partially filled with a number of boards (or blanks) in a stacked, vertically, adjacent or even random orientation. Upon application of heat to the boards or blanks or parts in the mold, the binder material is melted so as to allow the nonwoven material to expand in one or more directions, and thereby fill all or part of the mold. Upon cooling, the binder material again hardens, and the molded component is retrieved from the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2019Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Andrea Piana, Andy Hollis, Mehran Jafari, Helias Andriessen, Sang-hoon Lim, Eric McCann
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Publication number: 20190248103Abstract: A fibrous nonwoven material which is vertically lapped in its entirety or which includes one or more lapped regions which include vertically lapped fibers provides for padding to be applied to a substrate (e.g., an article of interest such as a handle for sporting equipment or tool, or on the inside of a motorcycle or bicycle helmet, etc.). The skin contacting surface of the nonwoven has regions which are relatively thicker than other regions, and air, sweat, and the like are allowed to easily pass through these regions for cooling, wicking of fluid and enhanced breathability. The lapped nonwoven includes a backing material which helps define the pad shape and which permits securing to a substrate. A hook and loop fastener may be affixed to the lapped nonwoven at the backing material so as to allow retrieval and replacement of the nonwoven on the substrate. An acquisition layer on the surface can be used on the surface of the nonwoven, and a carded consolidated web may be positioned within the nonwoven.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Andrea Piana, Mehran Jafari, Eric McCann, Sam Lim, Andy Hollis, Helias Andriessen