Patents by Inventor Girma Gebreselassie
Girma Gebreselassie 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).
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Publication number: 20060246799Abstract: Sound attenuating laminates for use within vehicles are provided that include a substrate and polyurethane attached to selected portions of the substrate. The polyurethane is non-porous and serves as a barrier to attenuate sound passing through the substrate. Additional non-porous polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the polyurethane layer to enhance sound attenuation characteristics in the one or more selected portions. Sound attenuating laminates for use within vehicles are provided that include a substrate and breathable polyurethane attached to selected portions of the substrate. The polyurethane serves as an absorber of sound (e.g., sound generated within a vehicle compartment). Additional breathable polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the polyurethane layer to enhance sound absorption characteristics in the one or more selected portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2006Publication date: November 2, 2006Inventors: Anthony Messina, Surendra Khambete, Girma Gebreselassie
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Patent number: 7017250Abstract: Vehicle cockpit assemblies and methods of installing same within vehicles are provided. A vehicle cockpit assembly includes a dash insulator that is configured to be attached to a vehicle firewall, an instrument panel attached to the dash insulator, and a floor covering also attached to the dash insulator. A plurality of apertures are formed through the dash insulator, each of which is configured to overlie a respective opening in a vehicle firewall when attached thereto. Each aperture is configured to sealably receive an item extending therethrough such that substantially no gaps exist between the item and the substrate. Polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the dash insulator to reflect and/or absorb sound.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Matt Starling, Anthony J. Messina, Surendra Khambete
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Patent number: 6974172Abstract: Vehicle cockpit assemblies and methods of installing same within vehicles are provided. A vehicle cockpit assembly includes a dash insulator that is configured to be attached to a vehicle firewall, an instrument panel attached to the dash insulator, and a floor covering also attached to the dash insulator. A plurality of apertures are formed through the dash insulator, each of which is configured to overlie a respective opening in a vehicle firewall when attached thereto. Each aperture is configured to sealably receive an item extending therethrough such that substantially no gaps exist between the item and the substrate. Polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the dash insulator to reflect and/or absorb sound.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Matt Starling, Anthony J. Messina, Surendra Khambete
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Patent number: 6971475Abstract: Vehicle trim components are formed by applying a layer of material onto a mold surface and then selectively applying foam prior to molding operations. Selectively applying foam may include applying foam of different densities in multiple locations and/or applying foam of different thicknesses in multiple locations. The material and foam are subjected to conditions within the mold to produce a trim component having a desired shape. Once de-molded, barrier material may be added and various post-molding operations may be conducted.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventors: Graham Tompson, Girma Gebreselassie, Anthony Messina
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Patent number: 6818316Abstract: Recyclable vehicle interior trim panels, and methods of producing same, are provided. A vehicle interior trim panel may include a top layer of recyclable polymeric material and a backing layer bonded to the top layer in face-to-face relationship. The top layer includes a blend of various recyclable polymeric materials including an interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, a limestone component, and barium sulfate component, and has a thickness of between about 1.6 mm and about 2.0 mm. The top layer may include first and second layers of recyclable polymeric material adhered together in face-to-face relationship. The first layer includes a first interpolymer component, a second interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, a polyethylene polymer component, and a silicone component. The second layer includes an interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, and a limestone component.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Matt Starling, Surendra Khambete, Graham Tompson
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Publication number: 20040216949Abstract: Vehicle trim components are formed by applying a layer of material onto a mold surface and then selectively applying foam prior to molding operations. Selectively applying foam may include applying foam of different densities in multiple locations and/or applying foam of different thicknesses in multiple locations. The material and foam are subjected to conditions within the mold to produce a trim component having a desired shape. Once de-molded, barrier material may be added and various post-molding operations may be conducted.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Graham Tompson, Girma Gebreselassie, Anthony Messina
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Publication number: 20040207228Abstract: Vehicle cockpit assemblies and methods of installing same within vehicles are provided. A vehicle cockpit assembly includes a dash insulator that is configured to be attached to a vehicle firewall, an instrument panel attached to the dash insulator, and a floor covering also attached to the dash insulator. A plurality of apertures are formed through the dash insulator, each of which is configured to overlie a respective opening in a vehicle firewall when attached thereto. Each aperture is configured to sealably receive an item extending therethrough such that substantially no gaps exist between the item and the substrate. Polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the dash insulator to reflect and/or absorb sound.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Matt Starling, Anthony J. Messina, Surendra Khambete
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Publication number: 20040188158Abstract: Vehicle cockpit assemblies and methods of installing same within vehicles are provided. A vehicle cockpit assembly includes a dash insulator that is configured to be attached to a vehicle firewall, an instrument panel attached to the dash insulator, and a floor covering also attached to the dash insulator. A plurality of apertures are formed through the dash insulator, each of which is configured to overlie a respective opening in a vehicle firewall when attached thereto. Each aperture is configured to sealably receive an item extending therethrough such that substantially no gaps exist between the item and the substrate. Polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the dash insulator to reflect and/or absorb sound.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Matt Starling, Anthony J. Messina, Surendra Khambete
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Patent number: 6755997Abstract: Floor coverings and methods of producing same, are provided. A vehicle floor covering includes a barrier layer of polymeric material and a sound-absorbing backing layer bonded to the barrier layer. The barrier layer exposed surface includes various aesthetic and/or functional features. The barrier layer has variable thickness.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Anthony Messina, Surendra Khambete
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Publication number: 20040110438Abstract: Acoustical panels and methods of making acoustical panels are provided. Isocyanate binder and scrap material are blended together to produce a mixture of recycled material. The mixture of recycled material is formed into a panel, molded to form an acoustic article having a three dimensional contour, and cured via steam. The acoustic article is subjected to trimming operations, and one or more surfaces of the acoustic article may be covered with one or more layers of material. Scrap material generated by the trimming operations are then returned to for reuse.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Graham Tompson, Surendra Khambete, Girma Gebreselassie, Anthony Messina
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Publication number: 20040096647Abstract: Recyclable vehicle interior trim panels, and methods of producing same, are provided. A vehicle interior trim panel may include a top layer of recyclable polymeric material and a backing layer bonded to the top layer in face-to-face relationship. The top layer includes a blend of various recyclable polymeric materials including an interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, a limestone component, and barium sulfate component, and has a thickness of between about 1.6 mm and about 2.0 mm. The top layer may include first and second layers of recyclable polymeric material adhered together in face-to-face relationship. The first layer includes a first interpolymer component, a second interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, a polyethylene polymer component, and a silicone component. The second layer includes an interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, and a limestone component.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Matt Starling, Surendra Khambete, Graham Tompson
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Patent number: 6736915Abstract: A method of forming a lap mat for use in a subsequent molding operation to form a headliner includes forming a first continuous particulate layer having a non-uniform composition; folding the first continuous particulate layer to form a plurality of first layers; and binding the first layers together wherein the first layers cooperate to define a first region having a first material composition, and a second region having a second material composition different than the first material composition.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Harold G. Wolf, Jr.
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Patent number: 6736442Abstract: Vehicle floor coverings are provided with tubular air ducts therewithin that are configured to deliver air from air sources upwardly through a porous structure of the floor covering and into a vehicle compartment. Vehicle floor coverings are provided with electrical wiring harnesses therewithin that can facilitate the interconnection of various vehicle electronic components. Vehicle floor coverings are provided with optical fibers therewithin that are configured to deliver light from a light source to one or more locations within a vehicle and/or to provide special effects and customization of vehicle interiors.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products & Co.Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Surendra Khambete
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Publication number: 20040056386Abstract: Floor coverings and methods of producing same, are provided. A vehicle floor covering includes a barrier layer of polymeric material and a sound-absorbing backing layer bonded to the barrier layer. The barrier layer exposed surface includes various aesthetic and/or functional features. The barrier layer has variable thickness. Thicker portions are formed by adding additional layers of barrier material to selected portions prior to molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Anthony Messina, Surendra Khambete
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Patent number: 6710133Abstract: Recyclable vehicle interior trim panels, and methods of producing same, are provided. A vehicle interior trim panel may include a top layer of recyclable polymeric material and a backing layer bonded to the top layer in face-to-face relationship. The top layer includes a blend of various recyclable polymeric materials including an interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, a limestone component, and barium sulfate component, and has a thickness of between about 1.6 mm and about 2.0 mm. The top layer may include first and second layers of recyclable polymeric material adhered together in face-to-face relationship. The first layer includes a first interpolymer component, a second interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, a polyethylene polymer component, and a silicone component. The second layer includes an interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, and a limestone component.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Matt Starling, Surendra Khambete, Graham Tompson
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Patent number: 6695374Abstract: Vehicle cockpit assemblies and methods of installing same within vehicles are provided. A vehicle cockpit assembly includes a dash insulator that is configured to be attached to a vehicle firewall, an instrument panel attached to the dash insulator, and a floor covering also attached to the dash insulator. A plurality of apertures are formed through the dash insulator, each of which is configured to overlie a respective opening in a vehicle firewall when attached thereto. Each aperture is configured to sealably receive an item extending therethrough such that substantially no gaps exist between the item and the substrate. Polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the dash insulator to reflect and/or absorb sound.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Matt Starling, Anthony J. Messina, Surendra Khambete
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Publication number: 20030102690Abstract: Vehicle floor coverings are provided with tubular air ducts therewithin that are configured to deliver air from air sources upwardly through a porous structure of the floor covering and into a vehicle compartment. Vehicle floor coverings are provided with electrical wiring harnesses therewithin that can facilitate the interconnection of various vehicle electronic components. Vehicle floor coverings are provided with optical fibers therewithin that are configured to deliver light from a light source to one or more locations within a vehicle and/or to provide special effects and customization of vehicle interiors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Surendra Khambete
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Publication number: 20030096079Abstract: Sound attenuating laminates for use within vehicles are provided that include a substrate and polyurethane attached to selected portions of the substrate. The polyurethane is non-porous and serves as a barrier to attenuate sound passing through the substrate. Additional non-porous polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the polyurethane layer to enhance sound attenuation characteristics in the one or more selected portions. Sound attenuating laminates for use within vehicles are provided that include a substrate and breathable polyurethane attached to selected portions of the substrate. The polyurethane serves as an absorber of sound (e.g., sound generated within a vehicle compartment). Additional breathable polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the polyurethane layer to enhance sound absorption characteristics in the one or more selected portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: Anthony Messina, Surendra Khambete, Girma Gebreselassie
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Publication number: 20030096099Abstract: Recyclable vehicle interior trim panels, and methods of producing same, are provided. A vehicle interior trim panel may include a top layer of recyclable polymeric material and a backing layer bonded to the top layer in face-to-face relationship. The top layer includes a blend of various recyclable polymeric materials including an interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, a limestone component, and barium sulfate component, and has a thickness of between about 1.6 mm and about 2.0 mm. The top layer may include first and second layers of recyclable polymeric material adhered together in face-to-face relationship. The first layer includes a first interpolymer component, a second interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, a polyethylene polymer component, and a silicone component. The second layer includes an interpolymer component, a polypropylene copolymer component, a polypropylene component, and a limestone component.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Matt Starling, Surendra Khambete, Graham Tompson
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Publication number: 20020112806Abstract: A method of forming a headliner includes providing a lap mat including a first region having a first material composition, and a second region having a second material composition different than the first composition, wherein the second region is configured as at least one of an energy management region and a support region; positioning the mat between two mold sections of a mold; and moving at least one of the mold sections toward the other mold section to shape the mat into a desired shape. A method for forming the mat is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Applicant: Lear CorporationInventors: Girma Gebreselassie, Harold G. Wolf