Patents by Inventor Francisco Abufele

Francisco Abufele 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).

  • Method and apparatus for splicing indeterminate length fiber tow ends
    Patent number: 6955132
    Abstract: Indeterminate length fiber tows ends are joined by overlapping end portions of the first and second fiber tows. The first and second tows are secured in a clamp with a portion of the overlapping area exposed. The overlapping area of the tows is positioned on a sewing unit having a support and sewing head, at least one of which is displaceable along first and second axes, and a controller for executing a preprogrammed stitching pattern. The controller is actuated to form the preprogrammed stitching pattern in the exposed portion of the overlapping area, thereby splicing the first and second fiber tows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Solutia Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Dallas, Edd McGaric Tan Ong, Francisco Abufele, Ian M. Watson
  • Method and apparatus for splicing indeterminate length fiber tow ends
    Publication number: 20050005830
    Abstract: Indeterminate length fiber tows ends are joined by overlapping end portions of the first and second fiber tows. The first and second tows are secured in a clamp with a portion of the overlapping area exposed. The overlapping area of the tows is positioned on a sewing unit having a support and sewing head, at least one of which is displaceable along first and second axes, and a controller for executing a preprogrammed stitching pattern. The controller is actuated to form the preprogrammed stitching pattern in the exposed portion of the overlapping area, thereby splicing the first and second fiber tows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Applicant: SOLUTIA INC.
    Inventors: Michael Dallas, Edd McGaric Ong, Francisco Abufele, Ian Watson