Patents by Inventor James M. Souza

James M. Souza 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: 10350842
    Abstract: A system for applying a web around a cylindrical object with even tension containing a core having a generally cylindrical shape and a pair of handles. Each handle has an insertion area, a collar area, and a gripping area. The collar area is sandwiched between the insertion area and the gripping area and the insertion diameter is less than the inner diameter of the core at the first end and second end. The handles and core have a means for coupling meaning that the core and the insertion area of the handles do not move independently from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Milliken Infrastructure Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Cercone, James M. Souza
  • Publication number: 20180222138
    Abstract: A system for applying a web around a cylindrical object with even tension containing a core having a generally cylindrical shape and a pair of handles. Each handle has an insertion area, a collar area, and a gripping area. The collar area is sandwiched between the insertion area and the gripping area and the insertion diameter is less than the inner diameter of the core at the first end and second end. The handles and core have a means for coupling meaning that the core and the insertion area of the handles do not move independently from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Lawrence Cercone, James M. Souza
  • Patent number: 9803791
    Abstract: A method of repairing a polyolefin structure at a damaged area thereof containing applying a filler material as necessary to fill the damaged area, overlaying the filled damaged area with a transitional film having a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins, bonding the transitional film to the polyolefin structure, and applying a reinforcement system over the transitional film. The bonding of the transitional film to the polyolefin structure comprises applying heat to the transitional film. A repair system for repairing a polyolefin structure containing optionally a filler material on the polyolefin structure, a transitional film applied over and bonded to the polyolefin structure having a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins, and a reinforcement system, applied over the transitional film. The reinforcement system contains a fiber-reinforced polyurethane system bonded to the second side of the transitional film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Milliken Infrastructure Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Lawrence Cercone
  • Patent number: 9797540
    Abstract: A repair system for repairing a polyolefin pipe containing a transitional film applied over and bonded to the pipe and a reinforcement system, applied over the transitional film. The transitional film has a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins and the reinforcement system contains a fiber-reinforced polyurethane system bonded to the second side of the transitional film. A system two polyolefin tubular members joined end-to-end containing two tubular members arranged such that their respective ends are adjacent, thereby defining a circumferential joint, a transitional film applied and bonded to the circumferential joint and at least a portion of the two tubular members, and a reinforcement system applied over the transitional film. The transitional film has a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins and the reinforcement system contains a fiber-reinforced polyurethane or a fiber-reinforced epoxy system bonded to the second side of the transitional film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Milliken Infrastructure Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Lawrence Cercone
  • Patent number: 9744555
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for dispersing nanoparticles into a matrix. Disclosed is a system and method for coating a carrier film with a resin, spraying the resin with a suspended nanoparticle solution, and then transferring the resin-nanoparticle matrix to a collection vessel for dispensing for end use. Also, suspended nanoparticle solution is sprayed onto carrier film, the film is dried, a fabric layer is coated with resin layer, and nanoparticles are then transferred into the fabric resin layer to create a nanoparticle-infused fabric matrix. Fabric layers can also be coated with resin and sprayed with nanoparticles. Also disclosed is a system and method for coating a first carrier film with nanoparticles, coating a second carrier film with resin, and transferring nanoparticles from first carrier into the resin layer on the second carrier to create a nanoparticle infused resin material that can be collected and dispensed for end use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: James M. Souza
  • Publication number: 20170014859
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for dispersing nanoparticles into a matrix. Disclosed is a system and method for coating a carrier film with a resin, spraying the resin with a suspended nanoparticle solution, and then transferring the resin-nanoparticle matrix to a collection vessel for dispensing for end use. Also, suspended nanoparticle solution is sprayed onto carrier film, the film is dried, a fabric layer is coated with resin layer, and nanoparticles are then transferred into the fabric resin layer to create a nanoparticle-infused fabric matrix. Fabric layers can also be coated with resin and sprayed with nanoparticles. Also disclosed is a system and method for coating a first carrier film with nanoparticles, coating a second carrier film with resin, and transferring nanoparticles from first carrier into the resin layer on the second carrier to create a nanoparticle infused resin material that can be collected and dispensed for end use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventor: James M. Souza
  • Patent number: 9475216
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for dispersing nanoparticles into a matrix. Disclosed is a system and method for coating a carrier film with a resin, spraying the resin with a suspended nanoparticle solution, and then transferring the resin-nanoparticle matrix to a collection vessel for dispensing for end use. Also, suspended nanoparticle solution is sprayed onto carrier film, the film is dried, a fabric layer is coated with resin layer, and nanoparticles are then transferred into the fabric resin layer to create a nanoparticle-infused fabric matrix. Fabric layers can also be coated with resin and sprayed with nanoparticles. Also disclosed is a system and method for coating a first carrier film with nanoparticles, coating a second carrier film with resin, and transferring nanoparticles from first carrier into the resin layer on the second carrier to create a nanoparticle infused resin material that can be collected and dispensed for end use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: James M. Souza
  • Publication number: 20160281902
    Abstract: A method of repairing a polyolefin structure at a damaged area thereof containing applying a filler material as necessary to fill the damaged area, overlaying the filled damaged area with a transitional film having a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins, bonding the transitional film to the polyolefin structure, and applying a reinforcement system over the transitional film. The bonding of the transitional film to the polyolefin structure comprises applying heat to the transitional film. A repair system for repairing a polyolefin structure containing optionally a filler material on the polyolefin structure, a transitional film applied over and bonded to the polyolefin structure having a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins, and a reinforcement system, applied over the transitional film. The reinforcement system contains a fiber-reinforced polyurethane system bonded to the second side of the transitional film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Lawrence Cercone
  • Publication number: 20160279865
    Abstract: A method of joining at least two polyolefin tubular members containing placing the respective ends of the tubular members within a coupler thereby defining a coupler joint, wrapping the respective ends of the tubular members and the coupler joint with a transitional film having a first surface adapted to bond to the tubular members, bonding the transitional film to the respective ends of the tubular members, and applying a reinforcement system over the transitional film. The bonding of the transitional film to the respective ends of the tubular members contains applying heat to the transitional film and the bonding of the transitional film to the respective ends of the tubular members contains wrapping the pipe with heat-activated shrink tape and heating the damaged area to activate a bonding process of the transitional film to the respective ends of the tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Lawrence Cercone
  • Publication number: 20160281901
    Abstract: A repair system for repairing a polyolefin pipe containing a transitional film applied over and bonded to the pipe and a reinforcement system, applied over the transitional film. The transitional film has a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins and the reinforcement system contains a fiber-reinforced polyurethane system bonded to the second side of the transitional film. A system two polyolefin tubular members joined end-to-end containing two tubular members arranged such that their respective ends are adjacent, thereby defining a circumferential joint, a transitional film applied and bonded to the circumferential joint and at least a portion of the two tubular members, and a reinforcement system applied over the transitional film. The transitional film has a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins and the reinforcement system contains a fiber-reinforced polyurethane or a fiber-reinforced epoxy system bonded to the second side of the transitional film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Lawrence Cercone
  • Publication number: 20160279866
    Abstract: A method of joining two polyolefin tubular members end-to-end containing placing respective ends of the tubular members together, welding the respective ends of the two tubular members together using butt fusion thereby defining a circumferential joint, wrapping the respective ends of the tubular members and the circumferential joint with a transitional film having a first surface adapted to bond to the tubular members, bonding the transitional film to the respective ends of the tubular members, and applying a reinforcement system over the transitional film. The bonding of the transitional film to the respective ends of the tubular members contains applying heat to the transitional film and the bonding of the transitional film to the respective ends of the tubular members contains wrapping the pipe with heat-activated shrink tape and heating the damaged area to activate a bonding process of the transitional film to the respective ends of the tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Lawrence Cercone
  • Patent number: 9316339
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing polyolefin structures such as polyethylene piping. The repair method involves a bi-material co-extruded film that homogenously attaches to the poly olefin pipe surface and enables bonding of either epoxy or polyurethane composite material to the overall structure. The method involves surface cleaning with a solvent, attaching the co-extruded film, and applying a heat-activated shrink tape. The surface is heated to activate the bonding process of the film to the PE surface and to create a compressive force via the shrink tape. Once accomplished, the shrink tape may be removed and either a fiber reinforced polyurethane system or a fiber-reinforced epoxy system is applied and allowed to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Lawrence Cercone
  • Publication number: 20160001470
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for dispersing nanoparticles into a matrix. Disclosed is a system and method for coating a carrier film with a resin, spraying the resin with a suspended nanoparticle solution, and then transferring the resin-nanoparticle matrix to a collection vessel for dispensing for end use. Also, suspended nanoparticle solution is sprayed onto carrier film, the film is dried, a fabric layer is coated with resin layer, and nanoparticles are then transferred into the fabric resin layer to create a nanoparticle-infused fabric matrix. Fabric layers can also be coated with resin and sprayed with nanoparticles. Also disclosed is a system and method for coating a first carrier film with nanoparticles, coating a second carrier film with resin, and transferring nanoparticles from first carrier into the resin layer on the second carrier to create a nanoparticle infused resin material that can be collected and dispensed for end use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventor: James M. Souza
  • Patent number: 9057473
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe reinforcement structure and method for repairing or reinforcing a pipe, pipeline or other tubular member containing one or more cracks or joints on its outer circumferential surface comprising the steps of: identifying a pipe repair zone along a longitudinal section of the outer surface of the tubular member where cracks or joints are located; installing one or more compression straps around the outer circumferential surface of the tubular member in the pipe repair zone, the one or more compression straps comprising outer edges and being secured in place with a buckle; optionally applying a high compression putty over the edges of the straps and buckles and in the cracks; applying a corrosion resistant coating over the installed compression straps and tubular member surface in the pipe repair zone; and applying a composite wrap material over the applied corrosion resistant coating in the pipe repair zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: MILLIKEN & COMPANY
    Inventor: James M. Souza
  • Publication number: 20140048164
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe reinforcement structure and method for repairing or reinforcing a pipe, pipeline or other tubular member containing one or more cracks or joints on its outer circumferential surface comprising the steps of: identifying a pipe repair zone along a longitudinal section of the outer surface of the tubular member where cracks or joints are located; installing one or more compression straps around the outer circumferential surface of the tubular member in the pipe repair zone, the one or more compression straps comprising outer edges and being secured in place with a buckle; optionally applying a high compression putty over the edges of the straps and buckles and in the cracks; applying a corrosion resistant coating over the installed compression straps and tubular member surface in the pipe repair zone; and applying a composite wrap material over the applied corrosion resistant coating in the pipe repair zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: James M. Souza
  • Patent number: 8087431
    Abstract: A wear pad for a piping structure which is supported by a support structure is disclosed. A wear pad according to the present invention comprises a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure for attachment to the piping structure where the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure has a shape conforming to the shape of the exterior of the piping structure. A stand-off patch is adhesively bonded to one side of the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure, and this stand-off patch defines the thickness of the bond between the piping structure and the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure when it is in attached to the piping structure. SMP adhesive material is used to adhesively bond the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structure to the piping structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Pipe Wrap, LLC
    Inventors: James M Souza, Genevieve Withers
  • Publication number: 20100294389
    Abstract: A wear pad for a piping structure which is supported by a support structure is disclosed. A wear pad according to the present invention comprises a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure for attachment to the piping structure where the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure has a shape conforming to the shape of the exterior of the piping structure. A stand-off patch is adhesively bonded to one side of the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure, and this stand-off patch defines the thickness of the bond between the piping structure and the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure when it is in attached to the piping structure. SMP adhesive material is used to adhesively bond the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structure to the piping structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Genevieve Withers
  • Patent number: 6774066
    Abstract: A composite structural reinforcement device to be applied to structural members by wrapping in successive overlying layers includes a body formed of a first ply of resin impregnated high tensile strength material, a second ply of resin impregnated high tensile strength material, a magnetically detectable ply disposed and bonded between the first and second plies, an interlock means for mechanically interlocking successive layers as the device is applied to a structural member, and an alignment means for aligning successive layers of the device in overlying relation. Various alternative embodiments and various combinations of features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Glenn Davis, Billy H. Davidson