Patents by Inventor Gregory J. Thompson
Gregory J. Thompson 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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Patent number: 7914635Abstract: A unitary, fiber-containing composite comprises (a) a first region comprising a plurality of first binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, (b) a second region disposed above the first region, the second region comprising a plurality of second binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, and (c) a transitional region disposed between the first region and the second region. The transitional region comprises concentrations of the first binder fiber, the second binder fiber, and the bast fiber. The concentration of the first binder fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the first region and least proximate to the second region, and the concentration of the second binder fiber and the bast fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the second region and least proximate to the first region. A method for producing a unitary, fiber-containing composite is also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Gregory J. Thompson, Jessica Ann Qinghong, Sterling R. Mensch, David E. Wenstrup, Shah N. Huda
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Patent number: 7825050Abstract: A nonwoven composite has a first surface, a second surface, and a thickness extending between the first and second surfaces. The nonwoven composite comprises a plurality of natural fibers, a plurality of binder fibers, and a VOC-absorbing material. The binder fibers are bonded to or interlocked with the natural fibers. The VOC-absorbing material is dispersed within the nonwoven composite in such a manner that the density of the VOC-absorbing material in the nonwoven composite is greatest adjacent to the second surface of the nonwoven composite. A method for producing a nonwoven composite is also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: David E. Wilfong, Wei Xiao, Gregory J. Thompson, Raymond C. Sturm
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Patent number: 7806368Abstract: A roll-on/roll-off, aircraft-borne sensor pod deployment system having an operator station and a sensor pallet system and method of using same. The operator station has a base platform, a shelter box mounted on the base platform for accommodating a human operator, and a computer installed inside the shelter box. The sensor pallet system has a base platform, a linear system mounted on the base platform, a rotational system mounted on the linear system, a mechanical arm attached to the rotational system, a sensor pod attached to the mechanical arm, and an electrical control system that provides power to the deployment system and controls movements of the sensor pallet system. In operation, the sensor pod can be retracted into a compact, stowing position, or extended out an opening in the aircraft for an unobstructed field of view. The deployment system optionally includes an apparatus and method for sealing the aircraft opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: West Virginia UniversityInventors: James E. Smith, Roy S. Nutter, Jr., Gregory J. Thompson, Zenovy S. Wowczuk, Gerald M. Angle, II
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Patent number: 7726604Abstract: A roll-on/roll-off, aircraft-borne sensor pod deployment system having an operator station and a sensor pallet system and method of using same. The operator station has a base platform, a shelter box mounted on the base platform for accommodating a human operator, and a computer installed inside the shelter box. The sensor pallet system has a base platform, a linear system mounted on the base platform, a rotational system mounted on the linear system, a mechanical arm attached to the rotational system, a sensor pod attached to the mechanical arm, and an electrical control system that provides power to the deployment system and controls movements of the sensor pallet system. In operation, the sensor pod can be retracted into a compact, stowing position, or extended out an opening in the aircraft for an unobstructed field of view. The deployment system optionally includes an apparatus and method for sealing the aircraft opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: West Virginia UniversityInventors: James E. Smith, Roy S. Nutter, Jr., Gregory J. Thompson, Zenovy S. Wowczuk, Gerald M. Angle, II
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Patent number: 7726605Abstract: A roll-on/roll-off, aircraft-borne sensor pod deployment system having an operator station and a sensor pallet system and method of using same. The operator station has a base platform, a shelter box mounted on the base platform for accommodating a human operator, and a computer installed inside the shelter box. The sensor pallet system has a base platform, a linear system mounted on the base platform, a rotational system mounted on the linear system, a mechanical arm attached to the rotational system, a sensor pod attached to the mechanical arm, and an electrical control system that provides power to the deployment system and controls movements of the sensor pallet system. In operation, the sensor pod can be retracted into a compact, stowing position, or extended out an opening in the aircraft for an unobstructed field of view. The deployment system optionally includes an apparatus and method for sealing the aircraft opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: West Virginia UniversityInventors: James E. Smith, Roy S. Nutter, Jr., Gregory J. Thompson, Zenovy S. Wowczuk, Gerald M. Angle, II
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Patent number: 7709405Abstract: A non-woven material including first effect fibers, first binder fibers, second binder fibers, and optionally second effect fibers. The non-woven material has a first planar zone and a second planar zone. The first planar zone includes a greater concentration of first effect fibers and first binder fibers. The second planar zone includes a greater concentration of second effect fibers and second binder fibers. The first planar zone can include a first surface skin associated with the first planar zone on the exterior of the non-woven material, and a second surface skin associated with the second planar zone on the exterior of the non-woven material. The non-woven material has a woven, knitted, or non-woven layer added on either one or both sides of the non-woven material.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: David E. Wenstrup, Gregory J. Thompson, LeAnne Flack, Thomas E. Godfrey
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Patent number: 7696112Abstract: A non-woven material including first effect fibers, first binder fibers, second binder fibers, and second effect fibers. The non-woven material has a first planar zone and a second planar zone. The first planar zone includes a greater concentration of first effect fibers and first binder fibers. The second planar zone includes a greater concentration of second effect fibers and second binder fibers. The first planar zone can include a first surface skin associated with the first planar zone on the exterior of the non-woven material, and a second surface skin associated with the second planar zone on the exterior of the non-woven material.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: David E. Wenstrup, Gregory J. Thompson, Raymond C. Sturm, Thomas E. Godfrey
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Publication number: 20100035491Abstract: A unitary, fiber-containing composite comprises (a) a first region comprising a plurality of first binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, (b) a second region disposed above the first region, the second region comprising a plurality of second binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, and (c) a transitional region disposed between the first region and the second region. The transitional region comprises concentrations of the first binder fiber, the second binder fiber, and the bast fiber. The concentration of the first binder fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the first region and least proximate to the second region, and the concentration of the second binder fiber and the bast fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the second region and least proximate to the first region. A method for producing a unitary, fiber-containing composite is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Gregory J. Thompson, Qinghong Jessica Ann, Mensch Sterling R., Wenstrup David E., Shah N. Huda
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Patent number: 7651964Abstract: A unitary, fiber-containing composite comprises (a) a first region comprising a plurality of first binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, (b) a second region disposed above the first region, the second region comprising a plurality of second binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, and (c) a transitional region disposed between the first region and the second region. The transitional region comprises concentrations of the first binder fiber, the second binder fiber, and the bast fiber. The concentration of the first binder fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the first region and least proximate to the second region, and the concentration of the second binder fiber and the bast fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the second region and least proximate to the first region. A method for producing a unitary, fiber-containing composite is also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Gregory J. Thompson, David E. Wenstrup, Shah N. Huda
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Patent number: 7605097Abstract: A unitary, fiber-containing composite comprises (a) a first region comprising a plurality of first binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, (b) a second region disposed above the first region, the second region comprising a plurality of second binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, and (c) a transitional region disposed between the first region and the second region. The transitional region comprises concentrations of the first binder fiber, the second binder fiber, and the bast fiber. The concentration of the first binder fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the first region and least proximate to the second region, and the concentration of the second binder fiber and the bast fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the second region and least proximate to the first region. A method for producing a unitary, fiber-containing composite is also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Gregory J. Thompson, Jessica Ann Qinghong, Sterling R. Mensch, David E. Wenstrup, Shah N. Huda
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Publication number: 20090159860Abstract: A heat and fire resistant planar unitary shield formed of heat and flame resistant fibers and voluminous bulking fibers. The shield material has a heat and flame resistant zone with a majority of the heat and flame resistant fibers, and a voluminous bulking zone with a majority of the voluminous bulking fibers. The fibers are distributed through the shield material in an manner that the heat and flame resistant fibers collect closest to the outer surface of the shield with the heat and flame resistant zone, and the voluminous bulking fibers collect closest to the outer surface of the shield material with the voluminous bulking zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: David E. Wenstrup, Gregory J. Thompson, Jason G. Chay, Ty G. Dawson
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Patent number: 7521386Abstract: A moldable heat shield with a needled nonwoven core layer and needled nonwoven shell layers. The core layer has a blend polyester staple fibers and low melt polyester staple fibers. The shell layers have a blend of staple fibers of partially oxidized polyacrylonitrile, and staple fibers of polyester, and staple fibers of a low melt polyester. The layers are needled together such that fibers from the core layer do not reach the outer surfaces of the shell layers. The shell layers are calendared such that an outer surface layer is formed thereon, which provides the moldable heat shield with a water and oil resistant surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: David Edward Wenstrup, Gregory J. Thompson, Timothy Mitchell Meade
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Patent number: 7454817Abstract: A heat and fire resistant planar unitary shield formed of heat and flame resistant fibers and voluminous bulking fibers. The shield material has a heat and flame resistant zone with a majority of the heat and flame resistant fibers, and a voluminous bulking zone with a majority of the voluminous bulking fibers. The fibers are distributed through the shield material in an manner that the heat and flame resistant fibers collect closest to the outer surface of the shield with the heat and flame resistant zone, and the voluminous bulking fibers collect closest to the outer surface of the shield material with the voluminous bulking zone.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: David E. Wenstrup, Gregory J. Thompson, Jason G. Chay, Ty G. Dawson
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Patent number: 7446065Abstract: A heat and fire resistant planar unitary shield formed of heat and flame resistant fibers and voluminous bulking fibers. The shield material has a heat and flame resistant zone with a majority of the heat and flame resistant fibers, and a voluminous bulking zone with a majority of the voluminous bulking fibers. The fibers are distributed through the shield material in an manner that the heat and flame resistant fibers collect closest to the outer surface of the shield with the heat and flame resistant zone, and the voluminous bulking fibers collect closest to the outer surface of the shield material with the voluminous bulking zone.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: David E. Wenstrup, Gregory J. Thompson, Jason G. Chay, Ty G. Dawson
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Patent number: 7428803Abstract: A ceiling system having panels suspended from a ceiling with a frame and suspension connections. The panels are a non-woven material including first effect fibers, first binder fibers, second binder fibers, and second effect fibers. The non-woven material has a first planar zone and a second planar zone. The first planar zone includes a greater concentration of first effect fibers and first binder fibers. The second planar zone includes a greater concentration of second effect fibers and second binder fibers. The first planar zone can include a first surface skin associated with the first planar zone on the exterior of the non-woven material, and a second surface skin associated with the second planar zone on the exterior of the non-woven material.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: David E. Wenstrup, Gregory J. Thompson, Raymond C. Sturm, Thomas E. Godfrey
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Publication number: 20080153375Abstract: A nonwoven composite has a first surface, a second surface, and a thickness extending between the first and second surfaces. The nonwoven composite comprises a plurality of natural fibers, a plurality of binder fibers, and a VOC-absorbing material. The binder fibers are bonded to or interlocked with the natural fibers. The VOC-absorbing material is dispersed within the nonwoven composite in such a manner that the density of the VOC-absorbing material in the nonwoven composite is greatest adjacent to the second surface of the nonwoven composite. A method for producing a nonwoven composite is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: David E. Wilfong, Wei Xiao, Gregory J. Thompson, Raymond C. Sturm
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Patent number: 7387276Abstract: A roll-on/roll-off, aircraft-borne sensor pod deployment system having an operator station and a sensor pallet system and method of using same. The operator station has a base platform, a shelter box mounted on the base platform for accommodating a human operator, and a computer installed inside the shelter box. The sensor pallet system has a base platform, a linear system mounted on the base platform, a rotational system mounted on the linear system, a mechanical arm attached to the rotational system, a sensor pod attached to the mechanical arm, and an electrical control system that provides power to the deployment system and controls movements of the sensor pallet system. In operation, the sensor pod can be retracted into a compact, stowing position, or extended out an opening in the aircraft for an unobstructed field of view. The deployment system optionally includes an apparatus and method for sealing the aircraft opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: West Virginia UniversityInventors: James E. Smith, Roy S. Nutter, Jr., Gregory J. Thompson, Zenovy S. Wowczuk, Gerald M. Angle, II
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Patent number: 7341963Abstract: A non-woven material including first effect fibers, first binder fibers, second binder fibers, and bulking fibers. The non-woven material has a first planar zone with an exterior skin, and a bulking zone. The first planar zone includes a greater concentration of first effect fibers and first binder fibers. The bulking zone includes a greater concentration of bulking fibers and second binder fibers. The first effect fibers can be fire retardant fibers.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: David E. Wenstrup, Gregory J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20070275180Abstract: A unitary, fiber-containing composite comprises (a) a first region comprising a plurality of first binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, (b) a second region disposed above the first region, the second region comprising a plurality of second binder fibers and a plurality of bast fibers, and (c) a transitional region disposed between the first region and the second region. The transitional region comprises concentrations of the first binder fiber, the second binder fiber, and the bast fiber. The concentration of the first binder fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the first region and least proximate to the second region, and the concentration of the second binder fiber and the bast fiber in the first transitional region is greatest proximate to the second region and least proximate to the first region. A method for producing a unitary, fiber-containing composite is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Gregory J. Thompson, Qinghong Jessica Ann, Mensch Sterling R., Wenstrup David E., Shah N. Huda
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Patent number: 7229938Abstract: A heat and fire resistant planar unitary shield formed of heat and flame resistant fibers and voluminous bulking fibers. The shield material has a heat and flame resistant zone with a majority of the heat and flame resistant fibers, and a voluminous bulking zone with a majority of the voluminous bulking fibers. The fibers are distributed through the shield material in an manner that the heat and flame resistant fibers collect closest to the outer surface of the shield with the heat and flame resistant zone, and the voluminous bulking fibers collect closest to the outer surface of the shield material with the voluminous bulking zone.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: David E. Wenstrup, Gregory J. Thompson, Jason G. Chay, Ty G. Dawson