Patents by Inventor Gary F. Howorth

Gary F. Howorth 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).

  • Publication number: 20230282905
    Abstract: A thermal runaway barrier for at least significantly slowing down a thermal runaway event within a battery assembly. The thermal runaway barrier includes a layer of a nonwoven fibrous thermal insulation comprising a fiber matrix of inorganic fibers, thermally insulative inorganic particles of fumed silica dispersed within the fiber matrix, and a binder dispersed within the fiber matrix so as to hold together the fiber matrix. An optional organic encapsulation layer may also be used to encapsulate the nonwoven fibrous thermal insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Tien WU, Patrick WELTER, Gary F. HOWORTH, Claus MIDDENDORF, Kerstin C. ROSEN, Heonjoo HA, Shailendra B. RATHOD
  • Publication number: 20230275289
    Abstract: A thermal runaway barrier for at least significantly slowing down a thermal runaway event within a battery assembly. The thermal runaway barrier includes a layer of a nonwoven fibrous thermal insulation comprising a fiber matrix of inorganic fibers, thermally insulative inorganic particles of irreversibly or permanently expanded expandable inorganic material dispersed within the fiber matrix, and a binder dispersed within the fiber matrix so as to hold together the fiber matrix. An optional organic encapsulation layer may also be used to encapsulate the nonwoven fibrous thermal insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Claus MIDDENDORF, Patrick WELTER, Gary F. HOWORTH, Kerstin C. ROSEN, Tien WU, Heonjoo HA, Shailendra B. BATHOD
  • Publication number: 20230238600
    Abstract: A thermal runaway barrier for at least significantly slowing down a thermal runaway event within a battery assembly. The thermal runaway barrier consisting essentially of a single-layer of a nonwoven fibrous thermal insulation comprising a fiber matrix of inorganic fibers, thermally insulative inorganic particles dispersed within the fiber matrix, and a binder dispersed within the fiber matrix so as to hold together the fiber matrix. An optional organic encapsulation layer may also be used to encapsulate the nonwoven fibrous thermal insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Shailendra B. RATHOD, Patrick WELTER, Gary F. HOWORTH, Claus MIDDENDORF, Kerstin C. ROSEN, Tien WU, Heonjoo HA, Martin SCHASCHKE
  • Patent number: 10995454
    Abstract: A method of making nonwoven fibrous materials suitable for use in a pollution control device or as a firestop, where the method comprises: providing a first slurry comprising water, first inorganic fibers, a first organic binder, and a first neutral pH flocculent; removing first waste water from the first slurry; optionally forming a first nonwoven fibrous material from the first slurry; providing a second slurry comprising a quantity of the first waste water, an optional quantity of relatively clean water, second inorganic fibers, a second organic binder, and a second flocculent that is the same and/or a different flocculent than that used in the first slurry; and forming a second nonwoven fibrous material from the second slurry. The addition of the first waste water in the second slurry does not adversely affect the flocculation of the second organic binder in the second slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard P. Merry, Ian R. I. Harding, Gary F. Howorth
  • Publication number: 20200224367
    Abstract: A flexible fibrous material comprises inorganic fibers and a binder and methods of making the same. The binder comprises at least one of: a first organic polymer having anionic groups and a flocculent, the flocculent comprising a second organic polymer having cationic groups; or a reaction product of the first organic polymer and the flocculent. Flexible fibrous material according to the present invention may be used as components in certain pollution control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Anne N. De Rovere, Gary F. Howorth, Michael Patrick M. Mandanas, Claus Middendorf
  • Publication number: 20160305071
    Abstract: A method of making nonwoven fibrous materials suitable for use in a pollution control device or as a firestop, where the method comprises: providing a first slurry comprising water, first inorganic fibers, a first organic binder, and a first neutral pH flocculent; removing first waste water from the first slurry; optionally forming a first nonwoven fibrous material from the first slurry; providing a second slurry comprising a quantity of the first waste water, an optional quantity of relatively clean water, second inorganic fibers, a second organic binder, and a second flocculent that is the same and/or a different flocculent than that used in the first slurry; and forming a second nonwoven fibrous material from the second slurry. The addition of the first waste water in the second slurry does not adversely affect the flocculation of the second organic binder in the second slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Richard P. Merry, Ian R. I. Harding, Gary F. Howorth
  • Patent number: 9470127
    Abstract: A structure comprising at least one inorganic layer comprising inorganic materials suitable for use in a pollution control device. A friction-inducing material is disposed on at least one side of the inorganic layer. The deposited friction-inducing material defines a higher friction area exhibiting a static coefficient of friction higher than that of the inorganic materials. A lower friction layer is disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the higher friction area and define an exposed surface area of the structure. The exposed surface area exhibits a lower static coefficient of friction than that of the higher friction area. The lower friction layer no longer covers a substantial portion of the higher friction area, after the pollution control device is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary F. Howorth, Dale L. May, Andrew B. Supina, David S. Seitz
  • Publication number: 20160115833
    Abstract: A structure comprising at least one inorganic layer comprising inorganic materials suitable for use in a pollution control device. A friction-inducing material is disposed on at least one side of the inorganic layer. The deposited friction-inducing material defines a higher friction area exhibiting a static coefficient of friction higher than that of the inorganic materials. A lower friction layer is disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the higher friction area and define an exposed surface area of the structure. The exposed surface area exhibits a lower static coefficient of friction than that of the higher friction area. The lower friction layer no longer covers a substantial portion of the higher friction area, after the pollution control device is assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Gary F. Howorth, Dale L. May, Andrew B. Supina, David S. Seitz
  • Patent number: 9238981
    Abstract: A mounting mat (16) comprising at least one inorganic layer (18) comprising inorganic materials suitable for mounting a pollution control element in a pollution control device. A friction-inducing material (20) is disposed on at least one side of the inorganic layer (18). The deposited friction-inducing material (20) defines a higher friction area exhibiting a static coefficient of friction higher than that of the inorganic materials. A lower friction layer (20) is disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the higher friction area and define an exposed surface area of the mounting mat (16). The exposed surface area exhibits a lower static coefficient of friction than that of the higher friction area. The lower friction layer (20) no longer covers a substantial portion of the higher friction area, after the mounting mat (16) mounts a pollution control element (14) in a pollution control device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary F. Howorth, Dale L. May, Andrew B. Supina, David S. Seitz
  • Publication number: 20140147340
    Abstract: Compositions that include a mixture of biosoluble inorganic fibers and a micaceous binder are described. The compositions can be prepared free of refractory ceramic fibers that are respirable but durable in a physiological medium. The compositions are typically in the form of a sheet material or a paste and can be used, for example, as a protective packing material around the pollution control element or as an insulating material in the end cone region in a pollution control device. Sheet materials formed from the compositions have an area of a X-Y plane that decrease less than about 6 percent when heated to about 900° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Gary F. Howorth
  • Patent number: 8673229
    Abstract: Compositions that include a mixture of biosoluble inorganic fibers and a micaceous binder are described. The compositions can be prepared free of refractory ceramic fibers that are respirable but durable in a physiological medium. The compositions are typically in the form of a sheet material or a paste and can be used, for example, as a protective packing material around the pollution control element or as an insulating material in the end cone region in a pollution control device. Sheet materials formed from the compositions have an area of a X-Y plane that decrease less than about 6 percent when heated to about 900° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Gary F. Howorth
  • Publication number: 20130269314
    Abstract: A mounting mat (16) comprising at least one inorganic layer (18) comprising inorganic materials suitable for mounting a pollution control element in a pollution control device. A friction—inducing material (20) is disposed on at least one side of the inorganic layer (18). The deposited friction—inducing material (20) defines a higher friction area exhibiting a static coefficient of friction higher than that of the inorganic materials. A lower friction layer (20) is disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the higher friction area and define an exposed surface area of the mounting mat (16). The exposed surface area exhibits a lower static coefficient of friction than that of the higher friction area. The lower friction layer (20) no longer covers a substantial portion of the higher friction area, after the mounting mat (16) mounts a pollution control element (14) in a pollution control device (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary F. Howorth, Dale L. May, Andrew B. Supina, David S. Seitz
  • Publication number: 20130068693
    Abstract: Described herein is a low back-pressure, solid phase extraction media for removing dissolved metals in a liquid. The solid phase extraction media comprises particles entrapped in a porous polymeric fiber matrix. The particles comprise at least one of a thiol-containing moiety or a thiourea-containing moiety, and the porous polymeric fiber matrix comprises a plurality of fibers and a polymeric binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew W. Rabins, Kannan Seshadri, Gary F. Howorth, Gezahegn D. Damte
  • Publication number: 20120171457
    Abstract: A flexible fibrous material comprises inorganic fibers and a binder and methods of making the same. The binder comprises at least one of: a first organic polymer having anionic groups and a flocculent, the flocculent comprising a second organic polymer having cationic groups; or a reaction product of the first organic polymer and the flocculent. Flexible fibrous material according to the present invention may be used as components in certain pollution control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Anne N. De Rovere, Gary F. Howorth, Michael Patrick M. Mandanas
  • Patent number: 8124022
    Abstract: Mounting materials for pollution control devices comprising biosoluble fibers, heat treated silica fibers having a silica content of greater than about 67 percent by weight (pbw) based on a total weight of the fibers, and intumescent material, with an optional binder component, are disclosed. Methods for making and using the materials are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gary F. Howorth, Javier E. Gonzalez, Claus Middendorf
  • Publication number: 20100115900
    Abstract: A flexible fibrous material comprises inorganic fibers and a binder and methods of making the same. The binder comprises at least one of: a first organic polymer having anionic groups and a flocculent, the flocculent comprising a second organic polymer having cationic groups; or a reaction product of the first organic polymer and the flocculent. Flexible fibrous material according to the present invention may be used as components in certain pollution control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Anne N. De Rovere, Gary F. Howorth, Michael Patrick M. Mandanas
  • Publication number: 20090208385
    Abstract: The fluid delivery system includes a fluid path set with a first section adapted for connection to a syringe and to a source of fluid to be loaded into the syringe, and a second section that is removably connected to the first section. A connector removably connects the first and second sections. The connector includes a first connector member having a first luer member and a first annular member disposed about the first luer member. The connector further includes a second connector member having a second luer member and a second annular member disposed about the second luer member. A check valve arrangement is disposed in of one of the first and second connector members for limiting fluid flow to one direction through the connector. The first and second annular members are adapted to operably engage to securely and releasably connect the first and second connector members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Gary F. Howorth, Javier E. Gonzalez, Claus Middendorf
  • Publication number: 20040234436
    Abstract: Compositions that include a mixture of biosoluble inorganic fibers and a micaceous binder are described. The compositions can be prepared free of refractory ceramic fibers that are respirable but durable in a physiological medium. The compositions are typically in the form of a sheet material or a paste and can be used, for example, as a protective packing material around the pollution control element or as an insulating material in the end cone region in a pollution control device. Sheet materials formed from the compositions have an area of a X-Y plane that decrease less than about 6 percent when heated to about 900° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Gary F Howorth
  • Patent number: 6458418
    Abstract: A method of forming a multilayer sheet suitable for use as a mat for mounting a pollution control element or as a firestop. The method comprises providing one aqueous slurry and another aqueous slurry, each slurry containing inorganic materials suitable for making a mounting mat for a pollution control element or a firestop. The two aqueous slurries can be separated from one aqueous slurry. The method can also comprise depositing the one slurry onto a permeable substrate; partially removing water from the one slurry to form the one layer on the substrate; and depositing the other slurry onto the one layer. One layer is dried out of the one slurry and another layer is dried out of the other slurry so as to form the multilayer sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roger L. Langer, Stephen M. Sanocki, Gary F. Howorth
  • Patent number: 6365267
    Abstract: The invention provides a multilayer intumescent mat or sheet that is useful as a mounting for a pollution control device or as a firestop. In one aspect, the multilayer intumescent sheet of the invention comprises a non-moldable flexible non-intumescent layer and a non-moldable flexible intumescent layer comprising an intumescent material wherein the layers form a single sheet without the use of auxiliary bonding means. In another aspect, the multilayer intumescent sheet of the invention comprises a first non-moldable intumescent layer comprising a first intumescent material and a second non-moldable intumescent layer comprising a second intumescent material, the first and second intumescent materials being different, wherein the layers form a single sheet without the use of auxiliary bonding means. The invention also provides a pollution control device comprising a multilayer sheet of the invention disposed between a monolith and a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roger L. Langer, Stephen M. Sanocki, Gary F. Howorth