Patents by Inventor Donald J. Gillette

Donald J. Gillette 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: 6200678
    Abstract: Concrete strengthening members, particularly prestressing tendons such as strands of steel wire, are provided with a strongly adherent plastic coating which may be substantially impermeable for improved corrosion resistance, and/or which may have embedded therein abrasive or grit-form particles to provide improved bond with the concrete, and particularly to provide controllable bond transfer in prestressing tendons of the pre-tensioned type. The plastic coating preferably is applied electrostatically in powder form, and fusion bonded by heat. The abrasive can be applied by spraying during a viscous state of the heated resin, and can be varied as to size and spacing density so as to control the surface condition and the bonding effect. Fusion and curing heat may come from preheating of the member before application of the resin powder, which preferably is a heat curable, thermosetting epoxy. Coating thickness and grit application are readily variable to meet particular requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Florida Wire & Cable, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick F. Hunt, Donald J. Gillette
  • Patent number: 5275849
    Abstract: The apparatus, system and method utilize sequential sprays of wet, low-temperature steam, and dry, high-temperature steam to clean the exterior of laminated objects as well as to effect volatilization of liquid contaminates trapped between lamina thereof. Water is injected into the conduit through which the low-temperature steam is delivered, so as to produce a desirable concentration of droplets therein. A conveyor moves the laminated objects along a horizontal path through zones in which they are sprayed by the low temperature and high temperature steam, and then through a zone in which they are electrostatically coated with powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Electrostatic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Castelli, John Donahue, Donald J. Gillette, Bedrich Hajek
  • Patent number: 5242718
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for coating surfaces of workpieces employs an electrostatic fluidized bed unit for producing a cloud of charged particles, for deposition upon the workpiece, and a second fluidized bed for agitating the particulate material and for facilitating feeding thereof to the electrostatic coating bed, the second bed being disposed beneath the first bed, and being in powder flow communication with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Electrostatic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Gillette, Bedrich Hajek
  • Patent number: 5116636
    Abstract: The method utilizies steam to clean the exterior of laminated objects, preliminary to electrostatic powder coating, as well as to effect volatilization of liquid contaminates trapped between lamina thereof. Off-gassing that would otherwise occur when the objects are heated to effect fusion of the powder deposit is thereby avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: S.L. Electrostatic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bedrich Hajek, Donald J. Gillette
  • Patent number: 5052332
    Abstract: The apparatus and system utilize sprays of steam to clean the exterior or laminated objects, preliminary to electrostatic powder coating, as well as to effect volatilization of liquid contaminates trapped between lamina thereof. Off-gassing that would otherwise occur when the objects are heated to effect fusion of the powder deposit is thereby avoided. The apparatus includes a conveyor for transporting a workpiece along a horizontal travel path through a chamber, above and below which path a spray compartment and collecting compartment are defined, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: S. L. Electrostatic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bedrich Hajek, Donald J. Gillette
  • Patent number: 5041301
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for coating interior surfaces of objects employs an electrostatic fluidized bed unit in which the fluidization chamber is relatively shallow, and is circumscribed by a marginal portion that conforms closely to the dimensions and configuration of the cavity of the object. The apparatus employs, as a feature of its recovery and recirculation system, a fluidized bed for agitating and facilitating feeding of the particulate material, thus making the system especially well suited for depositing coatings of abrasive materials, such as vitreous frit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: S. L. Electrostatic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Gillette, Bedrich Hajek
  • Patent number: 4950497
    Abstract: Electrostatic apparatus and method for coating interior surfaces of objects. The apparatus employs a fluidized bed unit in which the fluidization chamber is relatively shallow, and is circumscribed by a marginal portion that conforms closely to the dimensions and configurations of the cavity of the object. The apparatus employs a non-vacuumized powder recovery and recirculation system, and provides a peripheral slot in the marginal portion of the housing for entry of undeposited powder. Coating inside corners of objects is effectively achieved using the method of the invention, and heavy, uniform builds of the particulate material are produced efficiently and at high rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: S.L. Electrostatic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Gillette, Bedrich Hajek
  • Patent number: 4472452
    Abstract: Build control means is provided by which the characteristics of a cloud of electrostatically charged particles can readily be altered, so as to produce an optimal deposit upon any of a variety of workpieces. The means described offers a high degree of flexibility of application for the apparatus in which it is employed, and is particularly adapted for use in coating electrical conductors of rectangular cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Electrostatic Equipment Corp.
    Inventors: Donald J. Gillette, Bedrich Hajek
  • Patent number: 4418642
    Abstract: Build control means is provided by which the characteristics of a cloud of electrostatically charged particles can readily be altered, so as to produce an optimal deposit upon any of a variety of workpieces. The means described offers a high degree of flexibility of application for the apparatus in which it is employed, and is particularly adapted for use in coating electrical conductors of rectangular cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Electrostatic Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Donald J. Gillette, Bedrich Hajek
  • Patent number: 4368214
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed by which electrical conductor cable can be produced utilizing electrostatic coating means, which method and apparatus are highly convenient, uncomplicated and economical to carry out. An outstanding and unique feature of the cable produced in accordance herewith resides in the presence of a web portion of reduced cross-section connecting the individual conductors, by which manual severence of one from another is facilitated. Most desirably, the apparatus and method provide means for producing individual insulating coatings on each of the conductors, which means ideally utilizes an electrostatic cloud coating technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1983
    Assignee: Electrostatic Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Donald J. Gillette
  • Patent number: 4330567
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for the fluidized bed electrostatic coating of workpieces, especially those of continuous length, such as metal wires. The apparatus includes a cloud control grid spanning the coating chamber, upon which may be impressed voltage and/or variable current effects, and which may be modified with depending horizontal conductors, to introduce additional cloud control capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Assignee: Electrostatic Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Donald J. Gillette
  • Patent number: 4325982
    Abstract: Zipper chain is continuously electrostatically coated with powder to produce good coverage of the teeth, even upon its more obscured surfaces. The web is substantially uncoated, and is protected against deleterious heat effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Assignee: Electrostatic Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Donald J. Gillette, Bedrich Hajek, David Seales
  • Patent number: 4297386
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the fluidized bed electrostatic coating of workpieces, especially those of continuous length, such as metal wires. The apparatus includes a control grid (normally grounded), which spans the coating chamber and establishes an electrical effect which densifies and regulates the cloud of charged particles therewithin. Objects (also normally grounded) passed through the cloud so produced may therefore readily develop a uniform deposit upon all exposed surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: Electrostatic Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Donald J. Gillette
  • Patent number: RE35879
    Abstract: The apparatus, system and method utilize sequential sprays of wet, low-temperature steam, and dry, high-temperature steam to clean the exterior of laminated objects as well as to effect volatilization of liquid contaminates trapped between lamina thereof. Water is injected into the conduit through which the low-temperature steam is delivered, so as to produce a desirable concentration of droplets therein. A conveyor moves the laminated objects along a horizontal path through zones in which they are sprayed by the low temperature and high temperature steam, and then through a zone in which they are electrostatically coated with powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Electrostatic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Castelli, John Donahue, Donald J. Gillette, Bedrich Hajek