Patents by Inventor Douglas R. Sedlacek

Douglas R. Sedlacek 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: 11828349
    Abstract: A banded frictional power transmission belt with a satin-weave, band fabric wrapped around the outside of the belt. The band fabric may be a satin weave of warp and weft yarns and may include a high-strength, wear-resistant yarn such as aramid fibers, and may include a high-adhesive yarn such as nylon and/or cotton. The aramid and/or nylon fibers may be staple or filament fibers. The band fabric may be treated. The band fabric may have a 4×1 satin weave. The band fabric may be wrapped on a bias. The high-adhesive yarn may predominantly reside on the inside of the fabric contacting said V-belt, and the high-strength, wear-resistant yarn may predominantly reside on the outside of the fabric which is the outer, pulley-contacting surface of the belt. The banded belt may be a V-belt, round belt, dual-V-belt, or multiple V-belts, or have another friction belt profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Karla J. Bier, Douglas R. Sedlacek, Cynthia Decker, William Buchholz, Daniel Beal
  • Publication number: 20220316555
    Abstract: A center cord-line V-belt with a radially centered cord line of helically wound tensile cord embedded in a very high-modulus adhesion gum, an overcord layer, and an undercord layer. The adhesion gum has a substantially isotropic modulus, while the overcord and undercord layers have anisotropy in with-grain and cross-grain moduli. The overcord and undercord cross-grain moduli are less than the adhesion gum modulus. The anisotropic moduli are the result of oriented short fibers and the with-grain modulus is oriented axially in the belt. The adhesion gum preferably has no short fiber. The belt preferably has no reinforcing fabric layer and no fabric wrap. The adhesion gum, overcord layer and undercord layer are preferably based on an ethylene-alpha-olefin elastomer, with peroxide cure, reinforcing filler, and metal salt of an ?-?-unsaturated organic acid. The belt may have notches on one or both of the inner and outer radial surfaces for additional flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas R. Sedlacek, William Buchholz, Bobbie E. South, Mark L. Dutton
  • Publication number: 20210364061
    Abstract: A banded frictional power transmission belt with a satin-weave, band fabric wrapped around the outside of the belt. The band fabric may be a satin weave of warp and weft yarns and may include a high-strength, wear-resistant yarn such as aramid fibers, and may include a high-adhesive yarn such as nylon and/or cotton. The aramid and/or nylon fibers may be staple or filament fibers. The band fabric may be treated. The band fabric may have a 4×1 satin weave. The band fabric may be wrapped on a bias. The high-adhesive yarn may predominantly reside on the inside of the fabric contacting said V-belt, and the high-strength, wear-resistant yarn may predominantly reside on the outside of the fabric which is the outer, pulley-contacting surface of the belt. The banded belt may be a V-belt, round belt, dual-V-belt, or multiple V-belts, or have another friction belt profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Karla J. Bier, Douglas R. Sedlacek, Cynthia Decker, William Buchholz, Daniel Beal
  • Patent number: 11028900
    Abstract: A banded frictional power transmission belt with a satin-weave, band fabric wrapped around the outside of the belt. The band fabric may be a satin weave of warp and weft yarns and may include a high-strength, wear-resistant yarn such as aramid fibers, and may include a high-adhesive yarn such as nylon and/or cotton. The aramid and/or nylon fibers may be staple or filament fibers. The band fabric may be treated. The band fabric may have a 4×1 satin weave. The band fabric may be wrapped on a bias. The high-adhesive yarn may predominantly reside on the inside of the fabric contacting said V-belt, and the high-strength, wear-resistant yarn may predominantly reside on the outside of the fabric which is the outer, pulley-contacting surface of the belt. The banded belt may be a V-belt, round belt, dual-V-belt, or multiple V-belts, or have another friction belt profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Karla J. Bier, Douglas R. Sedlacek, Cynthia Decker, William Buchholz, Daniel Beal
  • Publication number: 20190178340
    Abstract: A banded frictional power transmission belt with a satin-weave, band fabric wrapped around the outside of the belt. The band fabric may be a satin weave of warp and weft yarns and may include a high-strength, wear-resistant yarn such as aramid fibers, and may include a high-adhesive yarn such as nylon and/or cotton. The aramid and/or nylon fibers may be staple or filament fibers. The band fabric may be treated. The band fabric may have a 4×1 satin weave. The band fabric may be wrapped on a bias. The high-adhesive yarn may predominantly reside on the inside of the fabric contacting said V-belt, and the high-strength, wear-resistant yarn may predominantly reside on the outside of the fabric which is the outer, pulley-contacting surface of the belt. The banded belt may be a V-belt, round belt, dual-V-belt, or multiple V-belts, or have another friction belt profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Karla J. Bier, Douglas R. Sedlacek, Cynthia Decker, William Buchholz, Daniel Beal
  • Patent number: 9098914
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the improvement of an image of a device under test, such as a belt. The image of device under test is made more optimal by determining if the object is rotated away from a preferred axis of the image frame. If so, the image is rotated an opposing angle such that the object is parallel to the preferred axis of the image frame. The rotated image is then made available for analysis of the object. Rib width analysis is performed along the entire length of the detected rib by either de-rotating the image or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Flloyd M. Sobczak, James H. Sealey, Douglas R. Sedlacek, Mark E. Stuemky, Justin Aschenbrenner, James Christian Bourque
  • Publication number: 20140254862
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the improvement of an image of a device under test, such as a belt. The image of device under test is made more optimal by determining if the object is rotated away from a preferred axis of the image frame. If so, the image is rotated an opposing angle such that the object is parallel to the preferred axis of the image frame. The rotated image is then made available for analysis of the object. Rib width analysis is performed along the entire length of the detected rib by either de-rotating the image or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Flloyd M. Sobczak, James H. Sealey, Douglas R. Sedlacek, Mark E. Stuemky, Justin Aschenbrenner, James Christian Bourque
  • Patent number: 8809441
    Abstract: A rubber composition having a reinforcing filler of activated carbon having a pore volume of 0.15 cc/g or more, a weight average particle size of less than 140 microns, and a differential characteristic curve of pore volume versus adsorption potential by the GAED or equivalent method having a peak value at less than 5 cal/cc. The rubber composition may have activated carbon as the primary reinforcing filler at a loading of from 25 to 250 phr. Also described is a method including the steps of selecting a charcoal material, grinding the charcoal material, activating the charcoal material, and mixing the activated carbon into a rubber composition as the primary reinforcing filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Sealey, Douglas R. Sedlacek
  • Patent number: 8755589
    Abstract: Tools for determining belt wear are provided. Specifically, non-contact based systems and processes are described which enable a quick and accurate measurement of belt wear. Based on the measurements of belt wear, a wear condition for the belt can be determined. Information regarding the wear condition can then be used to determine an appropriate remedial measure for responding to the determined wear condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Flloyd M. Sobczak, James H. Sealey, Douglas R. Sedlacek, Mark E. Stuemky, Justin L. Aschenbrenner
  • Publication number: 20130058560
    Abstract: Tools for determining belt wear are provided. Specifically, non-contact based systems and processes are described which enable a quick and accurate measurement of belt wear. Based on the measurements of belt wear, a wear condition for the belt can be determined. Information regarding the wear condition can then be used to determine an appropriate remedial measure for responding to the determined wear condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Flloyd M. Sobczak, James H. Sealey, Douglas R. Sedlacek, Mark E. Stuemky, Justin L. Aschenbrenner
  • Publication number: 20110028257
    Abstract: A rubber composition having a reinforcing filler of activated carbon having a pore volume of 0.15 cc/g or more, a weight average particle size of less than 140 microns, and a differential characteristic curve of pore volume versus adsorption potential by the GAED or equivalent method having a peak value at less than 5 cal/cc. The rubber composition may have activated carbon as the primary reinforcing filler at a loading of from 25 to 250 phr. Also described is a method including the steps of selecting a charcoal material, grinding the charcoal material, activating the charcoal material, and mixing the activated carbon into a rubber composition as the primary reinforcing filler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: THE GATES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James H. Sealey, Douglas R. Sedlacek
  • Patent number: 7011880
    Abstract: A belt and method of marking a belt. A layer of polyethylene material is joined or cured to a belt. The layer is optically distinguishable from a belt body. The layer is etched to expose a portion of the belt body in order to contrast the layer with the belt body. A second layer of polyethylene material may be applied adjacent to the first layer. The second layer is optically distinguishable from the first layer. The first or second layer is etched using cutting, grinding or laser light in order to expose portions of the adjacent layer, or of the belt body, thus providing a method of permanently marking the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas R. Sedlacek
  • Patent number: 6824485
    Abstract: A belt having a region comprising a non-woven material region on a pulley engaging surface. The non-woven region is infused with an elastomeric compound. A predetermined amount of metal salt of carboxylic acid is included in the elastomeric compound during compounding. The metal salts of carboxylic acid significantly reduce or eliminate slip noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Charles O. Edwards, Lance D. Miller, Douglas R. Sedlacek
  • Publication number: 20040018906
    Abstract: A belt having an elastomeric body and tensile cords. The belt comprises a rib or ribs extending in an endless direction. A polyethylene layer is attached to each rib tip to change a coefficient of friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas R. Sedlacek
  • Publication number: 20040009839
    Abstract: A belt having a region comprising a non-woven material region on a pulley engaging surface. The non-woven region is infused with an elastomeric compound. A predetermined amount of metal salt of carboxylic acid is included in the elastomeric compound during compounding. The metal salts of carboxylic acid significantly reduce or eliminate slip noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Charles O. Edwards, Lance D. Miller, Douglas R. Sedlacek
  • Publication number: 20040005439
    Abstract: A belt and method of marking a belt. A layer of polyethylene material is joined or cured to a belt. The layer is optically distinguishable from a belt body. The layer is etched to expose a portion of the belt body in order to contrast the layer with the belt body. A second layer of polyethylene material may be applied adjacent to the first layer. The second layer is optically distinguishable from the first layer. The first or second layer is etched using cutting, grinding or laser light in order to expose portions of the adjacent layer, or of the belt body, thus providing a method of permanently marking the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas R. Sedlacek
  • Patent number: 6626784
    Abstract: A low modulus power transmission belt having a multi-unit cord tensile member. The belt also comprises a low modulus elastomeric body. A multi-unit cord tensile member configuration is plied into the elastomeric body, the tensile cord members having an included angle in the range of 120° to 180° between each ply. The belt having an elastic modulus of less than 1,500 N/mm and having an elongation of approximately 6.8% over a load range of approximately 0-350 newtons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas R. Sedlacek
  • Publication number: 20030171181
    Abstract: The invention comprises a low modulus power transmission belt having a multi-unit cord tensile member. The belt also comprises a low modulus elastomeric body. A multi-unit cord tensile member configuration is plied into the elastomeric body, the tensile cord members having an included angle in the range of 120° to 180° between each ply. The belt having an elastic modulus of less than 1,500 N/mm and having an elongation of approximately 6.8% over a load range of approximately 0-350 newtons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas R. Sedlacek
  • Publication number: 20030032514
    Abstract: The invention comprises a multi-ribbed belt having a modified coefficient of friction at a belt side/pulley interface. The modified coefficient of friction causes the belt to operate more quietly. The modified coefficient of friction is the result of graphite and carbon black added to the elastomer. Graphite is added in the amount of approximately 40 to 100 parts by weight of graphite for each 100 parts by weight of polymer. Carbon black is added in the amount of approximately 20 to 100 parts for each 100 parts elastomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Charles O. Edwards, Lance D. Miller, Bobbie E. South, Douglas R. Sedlacek
  • Patent number: 4956036
    Abstract: A method of making a power transmission belt with discontinuous fibers by forming oppositely facing friction driving surfaces by grinding such that fiber protrudes from the driving surfaces and is bent exposing lateral side portions of fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: The Gates Rubber Company
    Inventor: Douglas R. Sedlacek