Patents by Inventor Damon Lee Christenbury
Damon Lee Christenbury 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: 11745542Abstract: A curved support structure for a non-pneumatic tire and a tire incorporating such support structure. A support membrane extends continuously between a radially-inner end and a radially-outer end and defines opposing sides. A radially-outer joint may be provided on one of the opposing sides while a radially-inner joint may be provided on the other side of the membrane. An annular band may be incorporated with the radially-outer joint. A wheel, hub, or other structure may be incorporated with the radially-inner joint.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELINInventors: Steven M. Cron, Damon Lee Christenbury
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Patent number: 11648801Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel having spokes that are constructed such that collectively the plurality of spokes exhibit a fractional radial stiffness value within a range of 1 N/mm/deg to 10 N/mm/deg and a non-linearity of less than 20% when deflected under normal loading conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2018Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements MichelinInventors: Damon Lee Christenbury, Steven M Cron, Ryan Michael Gaylo, Timothy Brett Rhyne
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Patent number: 11618282Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel includes an outer band, a hub and a plurality of spokes formed from a polyamine material. Each of the plurality of spokes is displaced to create pretension in the radial direction under a design load and the displacement is equal to or greater than the predetermined deflection of the outer band. The plurality of spokes is made from a polyamide material having a conditioned tensile modulus between 600 MPa and 3000 MPa, an equilibrium moisture content of no more than 1.5%, and a fatigue failure resistance that can withstand at least 1 million cycles.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements MichelinInventors: Clayton Bohn, Jr., Steven M Cron, Damon Lee Christenbury, Ryan Michael Gaylo, Timothy Brett Rhyne
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Patent number: 11577548Abstract: A support structure for a non-pneumatic tire and a tire incorporating such support structure. A support membrane extends continuously between a radially-inner end and a radially-outer end. Joints may be positioned at each end. An annular band may be connected with the radially-outer end. A wheel, hub, or other structure may be connected with the radially-inner end.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELINInventors: Steven M. Cron, Damon Lee Christenbury
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Publication number: 20210362542Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel includes an outer band, a hub and a plurality of spokes formed from a polyamine material. Each of the plurality of spokes is displaced to create pretension in the radial direction under a design load and the displacement is equal to or greater than the predetermined deflection of the outer band. The plurality of spokes is made from a polyamide material having a conditioned tensile modulus between 600 MPa and 3000 MPa, an equilibrium moisture content of no more than 1.5%, and a fatigue failure resistance that can withstand at least 1 million cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2017Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Clayton BOHN, Jr., Steven M CRON, Damon Lee CHRISTENBURY, Ryan Michael GAYLO, Timothy Brett RHYNE
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Publication number: 20210237511Abstract: The present invention is directed to a moldable reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane and a non-pneumatic wheel made therefrom, a process for preparing the same and an non-pneumatic wheel obtained therefrom which exhibits a high modulus, low creep, and high fatigue life.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2018Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Mark Paul KUJAWSKI, Mihai MANITIU, Raymond A. NEFF, Clayton BOHN, Jr., Steven M. CRON, Damon Lee CHRISTENBURY, Rayn Michael GAYLO, Timothy Brett RHYNE
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Publication number: 20210078365Abstract: A support structure for a non-pneumatic tire and a tire incorporating such support structure. A support membrane extends continuously between a radially-inner end and a radially-outer end. Joints may be positioned at each end. An annular band may be connected with the radially-outer end. A wheel, hub, or other structure may be connected with the radially-inner end.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2017Publication date: March 18, 2021Inventors: Steven M. Cron, Damon Lee Christenbury
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Publication number: 20200376891Abstract: A curved support structure for a non-pneumatic tire and a tire incorporating such support structure. A support membrane extends continuously between a radially-inner end and a radially-outer end and defines opposing sides. A radially-outer joint may be provided on one of the opposing sides while a radially-inner joint may be provided on the other side of the membrane. An annular band may be incorporated with the radially-outer joint. A wheel, hub, or other structure may be incorporated with the radially-inner joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2017Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: Steven M. Cron, Damon Lee Christenbury
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Publication number: 20200324575Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire having a resilient annular outer band having a lateral mid-plane positioned equidistant between its left lateral edge and its right lateral edge, a radially inner annular hub; a plurality of spokes connecting the resilient annular outer band to the inner annular hub, wherein each of said plurality of spokes which connect to the resilient annular outer are laterally offset from the lateral mid-plane of the resilient annular outer band.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2018Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventors: Damon Lee CHRISTENBURY, Steven M CRON
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Publication number: 20200223249Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel having spokes that are constructed such that collectively the plurality of spokes exhibit a fractional radial stiffness value within a range of 1 N/mm/deg to 10 N/mm/deg and a non-linearity of less than 20% when deflected under normal loading conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2018Publication date: July 16, 2020Inventors: Damon Lee CHRISTENBURY, Steven M CRON, Ryan Michael GAYLO, Timothy Brett RHYNE
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Publication number: 20190009613Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire having a nesting high modulus spoke structure each spoke pretension such that the spokes maintain positive tension during operation of the wheel under normal operating loading conditions over a smooth surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2016Publication date: January 10, 2019Applicant: Compagnie Generale des Establissements MichelinInventors: Steven M CRON, Damon Lee CHRISTENBURY, Ryan Michael GAYLO, Timothy Brett RHYNE
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Patent number: 9981507Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include a multi-stage tire tread having two or more wear layers comprising an outer wear layer and one or more inner wear layers arranged within the thickness of the tread below the outer wear layer and one or more outer grooves are arranged within the outer wear layer. The tread further includes a volumetric void ratio equal to approximately 0.25 to 0.40 in the unworn condition and approximately 0.25 to 0.40 in a worn condition where the outer, ground-engaging side is arranged along one of the inner wear layers in the worn condition, the tread further having a contact surface ratio equal to approximately 0.66-0.72 in the unworn condition and approximately 0.56-0.66 in the worn condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Compagnie Générale des établissements MichelinInventors: Jeffrey Thomas Warfford, Damon Lee Christenbury, Robert Cecil Lawson, Timothy A. White
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Publication number: 20170166015Abstract: The tire tread presents a thickness T20 and a sipe (30) having a length and a depth d3o extending into the tread thickness in a direction away from an outer, ground-engaging side of the tread. The sipe articulates between an open configuration and a closed configuration as the tire rotates during tire operation. The sipe has a variable-width W30 extending transverse to the sipe length and transverse to the depth in the open configuration, the variable-width being defined by a pair of opposing sipe sides (34). The variable-width decreases as the depth increases into the tread thickness in a direction away from the outer, ground-engaging side. The opposing sipe sides substantially engage each other at substantially the same time in the closed configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: June 15, 2017Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.Inventor: Damon Lee CHRISTENBURY
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Patent number: 9555591Abstract: A tire tread with certain features and a method for manufacturing such a tire tread are provided. More particularly, a tire tread is provided that has layers of apertures where some layers remain covered until after a certain amount of tread wear has occurred. Such apertures can comprise, for example, sipes, grooves, or other apertured features in the tread. A method of making such tire tread is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Establissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Damon Lee Christenbury, Daniel Rey
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Publication number: 20160297248Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include a multi-stage tire tread having two or more wear layers comprising an outer wear layer and one or more inner wear layers arranged within the thickness of the tread below the outer wear layer and one or more outer grooves are arranged within the outer wear layer. The tread further includes a volumetric void ratio equal to approximately 0.25 to 0.40 in the unworn condition and approximately 0.25 to 0.40 in a worn condition where the outer, ground-engaging side is arranged along one of the inner wear layers in the worn condition, the tread further having a contact surface ratio equal to approximately 0.66-0.72 in the unworn condition and approximately 0.56-0.66 in the worn condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2016Publication date: October 13, 2016Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas WARFFORD, Damon Lee CHRISTENBURY, Robert Cecil LAWSON, Timothy A. WHITE
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Patent number: 9403332Abstract: A tire with certain tread features and a method for manufacturing the tread for such a tire are provided. More particularly, a tire and method for manufacturing a tire having a tread portion with sipes that can be of minimal thickness and varying geometries, densities, and profiles may be provided. The sipes can also be hidden until after a period of tread wear has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., Societe de Technologie MichelinInventors: Damon Lee Christenbury, Cyril Guichon, Daniel Rey, Ronald Hobart Thompson
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Patent number: 9387728Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include a multi-stage tire tread having two or more wear layers comprising an outer wear layer and one or more inner wear layers arranged within the thickness of the tread below the outer wear layer. One or more outer grooves are arranged within the outer wear layer, while one or more inner grooves arranged within at least one of the one or more inner wear layers. The tread further includes a volumetric void ratio equal to approximately 0.25 to 0.40 in the unworn condition and approximately 0.25 to 0.40 in a worn condition where the outer, ground-engaging side is arranged along one of the inner wear layers in the worn condition, the tread further having a contact surface ratio equal to approximately 0.66-0.72 in the unworn condition and approximately 0.56-0.66 in the worn condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignees: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Warfford, Damon Lee Christenbury, Robert Cecil Lawson, Timothy A. White
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Publication number: 20130213542Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include a multi-stage tire tread having two or more wear layers comprising an outer wear layer and one or more inner wear layers arranged within the thickness of the tread below the outer wear layer. One or more outer grooves are arranged within the outer wear layer, while one or more inner grooves arranged within at least one of the one or more inner wear layers. The tread further includes a volumetric void ratio equal to approximately 0.25 to 0.40 in the unworn condition and approximately 0.25 to 0.40 in a worn condition where the outer, ground-engaging side is arranged along one of the inner wear layers in the worn condition, the tread further having a contact surface ratio equal to approximately 0.66-0.72 in the unworn condition and approximately 0.56-0.66 in the worn condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Warfford, Damon Lee Christenbury, Robert Cecil Lawson, Timothy A. White
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Publication number: 20130213539Abstract: A tire tread with certain features and a method for manufacturing such a tire tread are provided. More particularly, a tire tread is provided that has layers of apertures where some layers remain covered until after a certain amount of tread wear has occurred. Such apertures can comprise, for example, sipes, grooves, or other apertured features in the tread. A method of making such tire tread is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE et TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELINInventors: Damon Lee Christenbury, Daniel Rey
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Publication number: 20130213543Abstract: A tire with certain tread features and a method for manufacturing the tread for such a tire are provided. More particularly, a tire and method for manufacturing a tire having a tread portion with sipes that can be of minimal thickness and varying geometries, densities, and profiles may be provided. The sipes can also be hidden until after a period of tread wear has occurred.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE et TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELINInventors: Damon Lee Christenbury, Cyril Guichon, Daniel Rey, Ronald Hobart Thompson