Patents by Inventor Gianfranco Chicarella

Gianfranco Chicarella 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: 9186593
    Abstract: Described are stretchable and formable lighter than air balloons including a high barrier lamination. The stretchable and formable balloons stretch when overinflated instead of failing. The balloons are formed from a lamination including a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m including a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The polyester film has an Elongation % in the transverse direction (TD) or machine direction (MD) of greater than 125%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignees: Toray Plastics (America), Inc., Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul Andrew Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant, Larissa M. Boutin, Robert T. Ervolino, Douglas J. Bower, Delaware Hood
  • Patent number: 8399080
    Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignees: Toray Plastics (America), Inc., Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd R. Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul A. Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant
  • Patent number: 8323759
    Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul Andrew Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant
  • Patent number: 8236399
    Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignees: Toray Plastics (America), Inc., Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul Andrew Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant
  • Publication number: 20120035034
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods for producing non-latex balloons with low surface electrical conductivities and an extended product life. In a preferred embodiment, a multilayer composite film having an exposed metalized layer is coated with an elastomeric sealant layer that increases electrical resistivity of the balloon product to greater than 1.08 Ohms/sq. The invention relates to articles and methods for producing needed bonds and seal strength required to manufacture non latex balloons. The balloons of this invention have an extended product life because they are more resistant to common defects like pin holing and stress cracks than conventional balloon systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ANAGRAM INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Sarnstrom, Paul Ansolabehere, Dean Borchardt, Andrew Swanson, Jeffrey J. Cernohous, Michael Fatica, Gianfranco Chicarella
  • Publication number: 20110287199
    Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: Anagram International, Inc., TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Gianfranco CHICARELLA, Nao YOKOTA, Tracy A. PAOLILLI, John J. FITCH, Todd R. SARNSTROM, Dean BORCHARDT, Paul A. ANSOLABEHERE, Steven SARGEANT
  • Publication number: 20110287200
    Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: Anagram International, Inc., TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Gianfranco CHICARELLA, Nao YOKOTA, Tracy A. PAOLILLI, John J. FITCH, Todd R. SARNSTROM, Dean BORCHARDT, Paul A. ANSOLABEHERE, Steven SARGEANT
  • Publication number: 20110223828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods for producing non-latex balloons with low surface electrical conductivities and an extended product life. In a preferred embodiment, a multilayer composite film having an exposed metallized layer is coated with an elastomeric sealant layer that increases electrical resistivity of the balloon product to greater than 1.08 Ohms/sq. The invention relates to articles and methods for producing needed bonds and seal strength required to manufacture non latex balloons. The balloons of this invention have an extended product life because they are more resistant to common defects like pin holing and stress cracks than conventional balloon systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: ANAGRAM INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Sarnstrom, Paul Ansolabehere, Dean Borchardt, Andrew Swanson, Jeffrey J. Cernohous, Michael Fatica, Gianfranco Chicarella
  • Patent number: 7972193
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods for producing non-latex balloons with low surface electrical conductivities and an extended product life. In a preferred embodiment, a multilayer composite film having an exposed metallized layer is coated with an elastomeric sealant layer that increases electrical resistivity of the balloon product to greater than 1.08 Ohms/sq. The invention relates to articles and methods for producing needed bonds and seal strength required to manufacture non latex balloons. The balloons of this invention have an extended product life because they are more resistant to common defects like pin holing and stress cracks than conventional balloon systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Anagram International , Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Sarnstrom, Paul Ansolabehere, Dean Borchardt, Andrew Swanson, Jeffrey J. Cernohous, Michael Fatica, Gianfranco Chicarella
  • Patent number: 7799399
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a high barrier lamination suitable for the construction of lighter than air materials including providing a thin, two layer thermoplastic film consisting of an amorphous copolyester skin and a high crystalline polyester core; plasma treating the high crystalline polyester core layer to a surface energy of about 50 to about 68 dyne; depositing a metal barrier layer to an optical density of about 2.2 to about 3.2; and extrusion coating a linear low density polyethylene sealant layer on the amorphous copolyester skin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Sargeant, Gianfranco Chicarella, John Medeiros, Joseph Anthony Bourgeault, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, Paul Andrew Ansolabehere, Todd Fayne
  • Publication number: 20100159795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and methods for producing non-latex balloons with low surface electrical conductivities and an extended product life. In a preferred embodiment, a multilayer composite film having an exposed metallized layer is coated with an elastomeric sealant layer that increases electrical resistivity of the balloon product to greater than 1.08 Ohms/sq. The invention relates to articles and methods for producing needed bonds and seal strength required to manufacture non latex balloons. The balloons of this invention have an extended product life because they are more resistant to common defects like pin holing and stress cracks than conventional balloon systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Todd Sarnstrom, Paul Ansolabehere, Dean Borchardt, Andrew Swanson, Jeffrey J. Cernohous, Michael Fatica, Gianfranco Chicarella
  • Publication number: 20090022919
    Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicants: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC., Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco CHICARELLA, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd R. Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul A. Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant
  • Publication number: 20070287017
    Abstract: A process for fabricating a high barrier lamination suitable for the construction of lighter than air materials including providing a thin, two layer thermoplastic film consisting of an amorphous copolyester skin and a high crystalline polyester core; plasma treating the high crystalline polyester core layer to a surface energy of about 50 to about 68 dyne; depositing a metal barrier layer to an optical density of about 2.2 to about 3.2; and extrusion coating a linear low density polyethylene sealant layer on the amorphous copolyester skin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Toray Plastics (America), Inc. Lumirror Divison
    Inventors: Steven Sargeant, Gianfranco Chicarella, John Medeiros, Joseph A. Bourgeault, Todd R. Sarnstrom, Paul A. Ansolabehere, Todd Fayne
  • Publication number: 20070004299
    Abstract: Described are barrier films that include a modified polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl amine coating resin. The barrier films exhibit a combination of good oxygen barrier properties, moisture resistance and adhesion properties characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC. LUMIRROR DIVISION
    Inventors: John Fitch, Steven Sargeant, Gianfranco Chicarella, Bonnie Adams
  • Publication number: 20040229033
    Abstract: A directly embossable, coated polyethyleneterephthalate film including a dry, uniaxially oriented PET film, and a coating applied to the PET film, wherein the coating and the PET film have as a composite been transversely stretched, the coating resin being capable of impregnating the PET surface on drawing, rendering the film surface susceptible to embossing under pressure and the coating having low heat sealability and a method of producing a coated, directly embossable polyethyleneterephthalate film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Toray Plastics (America), Inc. a corporation of Rhode Island
    Inventors: John Fitch, Jan Moritz, Gianfranco Chicarella, Yuji Shimizu, Yasuo Nishigaka, Bonnie Adams, Michael G. Fatica, Steven J. Sargeant
  • Patent number: 6761958
    Abstract: A directly embossable, coated polyethyleneterephthalate film including a dry, uniaxially oriented PET film, and a coating applied to the PET film, wherein the coating and the PET film have as a composite been transversely stretched, the coating resin being capable of impregnating the PET surface on drawing, rendering the film surface susceptible to embossing under pressure and the coating having low heat sealability and a method of producing a coated, directly embossable polyethyleneterephthalate film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
    Inventors: John Fitch, Jan Moritz, Gianfranco Chicarella, Jr., Yuji Shimizu, Yasuo Nishigaki, Bonnie Adams, Michael G. Fatica, Steven J. Sargeant
  • Publication number: 20030108756
    Abstract: A directly embossable, coated polyethyleneterephthalate film including a dry, uniaxially oriented PET film, and a coating applied to the PET film, wherein the coating and the PET film have as a composite been transversely stretched, the coating resin being capable of impregnating the PET surface on drawing, rendering the film surface susceptible to embossing under pressure and the coating having low heat sealability and a method of producing a coated, directly embossable polyethyleneterephthalate film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
    Inventors: John Fitch, Jan Moritz, Gianfranco Chicarella, Yuji Shimizu, Yasuo Nishigaki, Bonnie Adams, Michael G. Fatica, Steven J. Sargeant